Amsterdam’s Architectural Inspirations

Known for its blend of classic and modern designs, Amsterdam is one of the most architecturally diverse cities in the world.  From the 700-year-old Oude Kerk (Old Church), to its narrow yet charming canal houses to the modern housing on its new islands, Amsterdam offers fascinating architecture with stories to tell.

Oude Kerk

Built in the late 1200s or very early 1300s in the Gothic style, Amsterdam’s oldest building boasts the largest medieval wooden vault in Europe, with ornate paintings that have survived numerous battles and lootings. The floor consists of gravestones and is the resting place of over 10,000 residents of Amsterdam. Rembrandt’s wife, Saskia van Uylenburgh, and one of the founders of New Amsterdam (New York), Kiliaen van Rensselaer, are buried there. The composer Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck was its organist from the age of fifteen to his death, and the bell tower continues to play his music.

Westerkerk

In the 16^th Century, wooden buildings were replaced with brick and stone masterpieces in the Dutch Renaissance style. One of the most ornate is the Westerkirk. Its spire is the highest church tower in Amsterdam, and was mentioned frequently in The Diary of Anne Frank because Anne could see it from the attic. Rembrandt is buried in the church in a rental grave, but no one knows exactly which grave is his.

Canal Houses

During much of Amsterdam’s history, the hub of activity was along the canals, which served as the main transportation route for the city. Wealthy doctors, lawyers, and shopkeepers lived along the canal in narrow, tall, deep homes known as canal houses or canal ring houses. Built during the 17^th Century, many of these gabled homes were 30 feet wide or narrower.

With large windows on each floor, a pulley for moving items between floors, and an elevated main floor and front door in case of flooding, these homes served as shopkeepers’ businesses as well as their residences. Often, a landowner would commission twin or triplet houses—two or three identical houses built by the same contractor. Hundreds of canal homes stand today.

Amsterdam School

Amsterdam’s Expressionist architecture came to life in the early- to mid-20^th Century. Rounded buildings of brick and masonry featured unusual decorative glass, ironwork, and sculpture integrated into both the interior and exterior. Often these buildings were local institutions, such as the Van Gogh Museum and Henriette Ronnerplein Housing, and the unique elements lent an unexpected three-dimensional effect.

Modern Amsterdam Architecture

Stunning use of geometric shapes and flowing lines are just one aspect of the variety of modern designs in use in Amsterdam today. From the NEMO Museum, which looks like a ship rising from (or sinking into) the waves, to an office building made of prefabricated concrete boxes that look like matchboxes, the city’s modern architecture is simply eclectic.

Amsterdam’s architectural inspirations span over seven centuries. As it is not a large city, lovers of architecture can easily see examples of their favorite styles in a short tour.

What is your favorite type of architecture?