Cultural Building sights in Amsterdam
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A
Portuguese-Israelite Synagogue
The majestic Portuguese-Israelite Synagogue was built for the Sephardic community in the 17th century, the synagogue was Europe’s largest at the time and was based on the Temple of Solomon.
reviewed
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B
Netherlands Media Art Institute
From the hilarious and the ridiculous to the deep and the experimental, there’s always something interesting in this gallery’s changing exhibits. Don’t expect to see works by the hit makers or TV directors of tomorrow, though. The institute is specifically about video as art; there’s an artist-in-residence program if you get inspired. The collection numbers some 1500 works, assembled since the institute was established in 1978. The mediatheek (admission free) works like a library, complete with librarians to advise you; it's open weekdays from 1pm to 5pm.
reviewed
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C
University Library
Today’s library is a concrete hulk, not nearly the beautiful building you’d expect from such a historic site, but its background is fascinating. Citizen militias used to meet here: the ‘hand-bow’ (handboog) militia in No 421, and the ‘foot-bow’ (voetboog) militia in No 425, which also served as headquarters for the Dutch West India Company. Now you know where the names of the nearby streets Handboogstraat and Voetboogstraat come from. Their firing ranges at the back reached to Kalverstraat.
reviewed
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D
Stadsarchief
The corner of Herengracht and Vijzelstraat is dominated by the colossal Stadsarchief, occupying a 1923 bank building. When you step inside head to the left, to the enormous tiled basement vault and displays of archive gems such as the 1942 police report on the theft of Anne Frank’s bicycle. A small cinema at the back shows vintage films about the city. Upstairs, a fantastic bookshop sells city-oriented tomes.
reviewed