DK Travel : Amsterdam : History & Culture

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Spiegelkwartier

In the late 19th century, specialist antique dealers with an eye for an opportunity began to set up shop on Nieuwe Spiegelstraat, leading to the newly opened Rijksmuseum. There are more than 80 of them in the area now, making it a sparkling, elegant place in which to stroll. Content yourself with looking longingly at the gleaming displays of antique furniture, porcelain and glass, or treat yourself to a faded old Delft tile for just a few euros from Kramer.
Spout Gable

This plain triangular gable topped by a spout was used for warehouses, like those at Entrepotdok.
Spui

One of the most genial places in the city, this small square lined with cafés, bars and bookshops is generally quiet during the winter, but in summer, it bursts into life at lunchtime and again in the evening, when people spill out onto the pavement from bars. Cheek by jowl with university buildings, Spui has traditionally been a place where intellectuals gather to drink and debate. There is also a Friday book market. During the Provo riots of the 1960s, the square was the scene of political protests and demonstrations, during which Carol Kneulman’s twee statue of an urchin,Het Lieverdje (Little Darling) was frequently daubed with slogans. At No. 18, Café Hoppeis a landmark brown café, in business for more than 300 years.
St Nicolaaskerk

Dedicated to the patron saint of seafarers, the church was commissioned by the congregation ofOns’ Lieve Heer op Solder (see Museum Amstelkring). A C Bleys, the architect, came up with a Neo-Renaissance building.
Stadsschouwburg

This Neo-Renaissance building – both of whose predecessors burned down – houses the city’s municipal theatre. Local groups as well as visiting companies tread the boards here. It’s also host to the annual Julidans (July Dance) Festival. Regular English-language performances take place in the upstairs Bovenzaal.
Stedelijk Museum

Devoted to modern art from the mid-19th century to the present day, this invigorating museum is undergoing a total renovation. Until it reopens in 2008, works will be on display at the old TPG Post building (Ooster- dokskade 3, ).
Step Gable

Common from 1600 to 1665, this gable has steps on both sides: Huis op de drie Grachten has three (see A Day in the Oude Zijde).
Theatermuseum

Two fine buildings house the Theatermuseum. Its entrance is at No. 168, the austere Neo-Classical White House designed in 1638 by Philips Vingboons and topped by Amsterdam’s earliest neck gable. The museum extends into Nos 170–72, known as Bartolotti House, designed by Hendrick de Keyser in 1617 with a contrastingly flamboyant Renaissance façade, its curved appearance cleverly reflecting the canal bend on which it stands. The frothy 18th-century stuccoed and painted interior of the White House is worth the visit alone.
Triangular Gable

This simple triangularshaped gable can be seen on Het Houten Huis.
Trippenhuis

Justus Vingboons’ grandiose façade with false middle windows (1662) concealed the two separate homes of the powerful Trip brothers – arms dealers, hence the pair of chimneys resembling cannons.