Royal Palace of Amsterdam | Amsterdam

Information

Landmark: Royal Palace of Amsterdam
City: Amsterdam
Country: Netherlands
Continent: Europe

Royal Palace of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Europe

The Royal Palace of Amsterdam is a 17th-century classical monument situated on the west side of Dam Square in the center of Amsterdam. Originally constructed as the city's Town Hall, it now serves as one of three palaces at the disposal of the Dutch monarch for state functions and official receptions.

Visual Characteristics

The palace is built from yellow Bentheimer sandstone, which has darkened significantly over time due to weathering. Its architecture follows the Dutch Classicist style, featuring a symmetrical facade with a prominent central pediment and a 52-meter high domed tower topped by a weather vane in the shape of a cog ship. The interior is defined by the massive Citizen's Hall (Burgerzaal), paved in white marble with inlaid maps of the eastern and western hemispheres, and decorated with sculptures by Artus Quellinus.

Location & Access Logistics

The palace is located at Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 147, facing Dam Square. It is accessible via Amsterdam Centraal station, which is a 10-minute walk away. Multiple tram lines, including 2, 4, 12, 13, 14, and 17, stop at the "Dam" station directly adjacent to the palace. There is no on-site parking; the nearest commercial parking facilities are Q-Park De Bijenkorf and Q-Park Nieuwendijk.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction began in 1648, following the Peace of Münster, and was designed by architect Jacob van Campen. It was intended to reflect the wealth and status of Amsterdam during the Dutch Golden Age. In 1808, King Louis Napoleon transformed the building into a royal palace, importing a vast collection of Empire-style furniture that remains in use today. The structure is supported by 13,659 wooden piles driven into the sandy soil.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can tour the state rooms, the Citizen's Hall, and the Council Chamber. The palace houses one of the world's most complete collections of Empire-style furniture and decorative arts. Multimedia tours are provided in several languages, and the palace frequently hosts temporary exhibitions concerning history and the Dutch Royal House when not being used for state events.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The palace includes a gift shop and a cloakroom for visitors. Public restrooms are available within the facility. High-speed 5G cellular coverage is available throughout Dam Square and the palace interior. The building is fully accessible to people with reduced mobility via specialized elevators. There is no café inside the palace, but numerous food vendors are located in the immediate vicinity of Dam Square.

Best Time to Visit

The palace is open to the public from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except during state visits or royal events. The best time for exterior photography of the facade is during the late morning when the sun is positioned to the east. Visitors should check the official calendar in advance, as the palace closes to the public approximately 20 to 30 days per year for official business.

Facts & Legends

A verified historical oddity is the "Scaredy-cat" relief in the Bankruptcy Chamber, which depicts rats gnawing at ledger books to symbolize the consequences of financial ruin. Legend also suggests that the Atlas statue on the roof, which carries the globe, was intended to demonstrate that Amsterdam was the center of the world's trade and intelligence during the 17th century.