Beurs Van Berlage

Lonely Planet review

Half of the Damrak was filled in for this beurs (exchange) building, constructed in 1903. A landmark of Dutch architecture, it was named after architect HP Berlage, who was still designing it after work began. Though the functional lines and stark, square clock tower contrast with the exuberant designs of the age, there are clever details inside and out.

Traders eventually deserted the building in favour of the neoclassical Effectenbeurs (Stock Exchange), built in 1913 on the east side of Beursplein by Centraal Station's Pierre Cuypers. In the 1970s the foundations of Berlage's Bourse were sinking and the building was slated for demolition. Saved by popular outcry, it is now home to the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra and occasional museum exhibitions - past shows have included Picasso's paintings, Frank Lloyd Wright's designs and Karel Appel's works that are too large for regular museums.

Such is the importance of this building that Crown Prince Willem-Alexander married the Argentine Máxima Zorreguïeta here in a regulation civil ceremony, before proceeding to the Nieuwe Kerk for the church wedding.