The Royal Palace of Amsterdam was built in the 17th century as the new city hall. After the signing of the peace treaty of Munster in 1648 the city council of Amsterdam chose Jacob van Campen's design for a large and impressive new building.
The power and wealth of Amsterdam are reflected in the building and its interior design: sculptures by Artus Quellinus and paintings by Govaert Flinck, Ferdinand Bol and other great painters of that day, show historical, biblical en mythological stories which symbolically refer to the city of Amsterdam and its city council. When King Louis Napoleon came to Amsterdam in 1808 he had the city hall turned into a Palace.
The large collections of Empire style furniture, chandeliers and clocks date from this period. Nowadays, the Royal Palace is used for official occasions by her Majesty the Queen. It is also often open to the public. Every year during the summer season, an exhibition is organized based on a theme related to the history of the building. Next to this an annual event at the Palace is the presentation of the Royal Grant for Paintings by her Majesty.
The video shows the filming of a movie about Rembrandts life, it was filmed in the in the Royal Palace and will give you an impession of the size of the buiding
Exhibitions: Empire style furniture, paintings by Govaert Flinck, Ferdinand Bol
Address: Dam Square 1012 RJ Amsterdam
Hours: 12:30 - 17:00 hours Open: 15 Dec - 1 Jan (not with Christmas) 20 Jan. - 1 Feb (not on Mo. and Fri.)
