Dam Square - Royal Palace, Amsterdam

1 more image

Let's stir up the aesthetical controversy about this "8th wonder of the world"!!

No doubt it was a large building for its time, no doubt that the architect Jacob Van Campen was not fully satisfied of his work as he met important ground stability problems, no doubt Louis Napoleon Bonaparte was not fond of it, no doubt there are many, many, nicer town halls or palaces in Europe.
No doubt also that the Dam Palace is well known from world tourism.

Actually the Dam Palace looked better a few centuries ago. The facade in Bentheimer sandstone was nearly white at the start as can be seen from the model at the Amsterdam Historisch museum or from a painting (1668) by Jan Van der Heyden at Le Louvre museum.
A clean up of the façade is on the program but apparently there is no budget!

It was announced in 2008 that the renovation of roof and façade will start in 2009 and will need 3 - 4 years.
The inside renovation which started in 2005 was finished begin 2009.
Since 14/06/2009 the PALACE IS AGAIN OPEN for the public after 4 years renovation Works.
The Palace has a large collection of French Empire furniture left by Louis Napoleon that can now be seen.

Open (2011) 12 - 17 h; July & August 11 - 17 h.
Closed on Monday.
Closed in May 2011 due to restoration works!

Price: 7,50 €, reduced 6,50 € for +65 yr, students and children 5 - 16 yr.
Free: < 5 yr

The royal palace was built as a town hall in 1648 by Jacob van Campen (who also built the Nieuwe Kerk). Van Campen was not happy with the way the building was completed and was absent at the inauguration ceremony. When Napoleon Bonaparte conquered the Netherlands in 1808, the town hall served as a palace for his brother Louis who installed himself as "King of Holland". However, when William I. became king of the Netherlands, he gave the palace back to the city, but it remained a palace for the royal family. It is not used for living, but for representative purposes. Visitors can see most parts of the palace for only 4,50 EUR (6,50 with useful audio guide). Many rooms are still preserved in the same way Louis Bonaparte left them. Definitively worth a visit!

The former Town hall (by Jacob van Kampen) is now the famous Royal PALACE on the Dam Square, built on 13.659 piles. Because of the beauty of its exterior this building got world-wide well-known and is to be seen on a lot of very old photographs and paintings.

There is a lot to do around and on its square many people enjoy the area for its facilities, includes some funny "living statues" ... and ofcourse when the Queen and her family come to wave to its nationals ...

The old city hall and court house became the home of Napoleonic Royalty (and its current name) in the early part of the 19th century. The Royal family only rarely uses this central Amstserdam palace but that means it is accessible to the general public.
It has spectacular Baroque frescoes, sculptures, and some very historic stories. It is also, surprisingly, not very crowded so is a good stop when you are looking for a break from the crowds.

Amsterdam´s royal palace was once world´s 8th miracle, being the largest secular building in Europe. It was built in the 1600s in a wonderful classic style. Especially the marbe interiors are worth seeing. For instance, the large hall that is 30 m. high!

ROYAL PALACE IS OPEN AGAIN. OUTSIDE STILL RENOVATION.
LOOK HERE WHEN OPEN
http://www.paleisamsterdam.nl/nl/kalender/
Opening hours: 12:00 – 17:00 hours

The royal palace was build between 1648 and 1665 as a cityhall (townhall) of Amsterdam. it was designed by Jacob van Campen, and performed by Daniel Stalpaert. in 1654 had Jacob van Campen an conflict with the municipality , after that Daniel Stalpaert gets the leadership. the sculptorwork is done by Artus Quellijn and co.
the building was a cityhall till 1808 when the french invaded. after that it was changed in a palace by Lodewijk Napoleon.( the brother of)
if there is event you can not go in.
for example when the queen is there on 4th of may. when we remember the dead from the war.

Admission

Adults €7.50
CJP/CKV €6.50
Stadspas €6.50
65+/Students€6.50
Children aged 5 to 16 €6.50
Children under 5 free

4 more images

I visited here on open monument day as it was half price entry and loved the feel of the stately rooms. The Royal Palace is used for state visits and I could only guess what nobility had slept in those beds. It was originally built as a town hall from 1648 - 1808 and you hear the tales of the torture room whilst the magistrates looked on. Next it became the palace of Louis Napoleon and the gold guilding gives the feel of the palace of versailles. So today the Palace of Orange came into exisitance from 1813 when Prince William of Orange returned to the city.

Inside the palace you are led by guided audio tour and will see lavish furniture and intricate chanderliers.

The palace is usually open except for a few weeks when there are state functions. Opening times 12- 5pm cost Adults Eur 7.50 children Eur 6.50

3 more images

Located right at the Dam Square and dominating the area, but there's a restoration/renovation going on during the time I was there (May 2010) and the complete facade of the building is covered in white.

It is a 17th century city hall, then became the royal palace by King Louis 1.