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Museum De Dageraad exterior
Image from Museum De Dageraad

Amsterdamse School walking route

Who knows Amsterdam better than the people whose job it is (in normal times) to give daily tours through the city? Explore Amsterdam using these themed walking routes with fascinating commentary from a professional guide. Marianne Witte-Wijnberg takes you on a journey of discovery through the history of Amsterdam School architecture.

The Amsterdam School is a unique architectural style from the early 20th century, recognisable for its multi-coloured brickwork, natural stone decorations, impressive facades and curved rooftops which are often adorned by turrets and chimneys. Ironwork was used for beams, railings and window frames whilst sculptures of men and women at the entrances and on the rounded corners of the buildings symbolise the working class. The style has a highly political line of thought behind it and this walking tour will not only help you recognise buildings more easily but give you some fascinating historical context.

Start at the Hendrik de Keijserplein.

1. Hendrik de Keijserplein

Pre-dating the Amsterdam School movement by a few centuries, Hendrik de Keyser is one of the most notable Dutch stonemasons and architects. He moved to Amsterdam in 1595 where he designed several important buildings including Oost-Indisch Huis and Westerkerk along with houses for wealthy private individuals. His projects in the early 17th century helped to establish the style known as the ‘Amsterdam Renaissance’ and today these buildings contribute to the city’s outstanding architectural heritage.

Follow Lutmastraat, then turn right onto Burgemeester Tellegenstraat. On this street, you can see protruding windows at numbers 66, 68 and 70. Walk back a little bit and go left under the gatehouse until you arrive at the Coöperatiehof.

2. Coöperatiehof

During the industrial revolution, Amsterdam’s urban planning was not equipped to meet the growing population and the influx of workers who flocked to the city. People lived in tightly-packed apartment blocks along highly congested streets where poverty and infectious diseases like tuberculosis were widespread problems. In response to this, the local authorities brought in the 1901 Housing Act which subsidised public housing and ensured more benefits for the well-being of residents.

Working-class neighbourhoods such as De Pijp and the Dapperbuurt were rapidly expanding and the Amsterdam School became the go-to style for the realisation of a more idealistic architectural vision. Apartments were designed as three-room ‘palaces’ with a kitchen, balcony and two bedrooms.

This housing complex from 1927 was originally a combination of three residential blocks of workers’ apartments. Above the entrance to the public reading room in the central building, you’ll see a gable stone depicting books, trees and a snake - reportedly the sculptor was inspired by Artis Zoo. The old library was open to the public until the 1980s and is one of the most interesting buildings stylistically. The tall bell tower symbolises the intellectual elevation of the working class.

As you leave the square, pay special attention to the rounded corners of the houses. Head towards Willem Pastoorstraat where again the buildings have undulating forms and many small windows.

Take the first left onto Thérèse Schwartzestraat and head towards the square admiring the houses with beautiful curved porches and two-coloured bricks along the way.

3. Place Thérèse Schwartzeplein

The Amsterdam School built upon the principles of functionality and practicality that pioneer architect Hendrik Petrus Berlage introduced at the end of the 19th century. Rationalist ideas were re-interpreted in new ways which also catered to individual expression. Michael de Klerk and Piet Kramer are considered the principal architects of the Amsterdam School.

Built between 1919 and 1922, the four buildings surrounding this square are some beautiful examples of Amsterdam School architecture. Each building contains six two-storey houses connected by a balcony. The trapezoidal shape of the roof meant there was additional space to make a bedroom in the attic and an extra-large living room on the second floor. On the corner of house number one, you can see a sandstone artwork from 1930 which depicts the harvest with four figures and a rooster on a sheaf of grain.

Walk around the square into Paletstraat then turn left onto Jozef Israelkade. A little further up on the left, you’ll see the Berlage Lyceum.

4. Berlage Lyceum

Take a closer look at the two special sculptures on this part of the Berlage Lyceum. Whilst some of the details are difficult to discern, you should be able to make out a pregnant woman with a bunch of grapes and a man with muscly arms and legs. The images symbolise trade, industry and estate in reference to the trade school that was once located here. To the left, Pieter Lodewijk Takstraat is named after a socialist journalist who founded the social democratic housing association De Dageraad.

Walk to the end of the street where you’ll see two monumental residential blocks of De Dageraad on either side.

5. De Dageraad

Museum De Dageraad exterior
Image from Marcel Westhoff

This housing complex, built in three colours of brick with asymmetrical windows, turrets and round corner balconies is one of the aesthetic highlights of the Amsterdam School. The chimney resembles a steamship sitting upon an undulating wave-like roof. In the corner house on the right, a memorial stone commemorates architects De Klerk and Kramer whilst the text on the left tower is dedicated to Pieter Lodewijk Tak.

Turn right again onto Burgemeester Tellegenstraat, then take the first right. Turn right into Mauvestraat and then left into Carillonstraat. Continue to the end of the street and turn right into Van Woustraat.

6. Van Woustraat

Van Woustraat, named after bell founder Geert van Wou, is lined by beautiful buildings with typical features of the Amsterdam School. Across the bridge, you’ll see a house built in 1922 by architect G.J. Rutgers. The protruding elements of the building give it a certain rhythm and the round towers on the roof are almost a work of art in brick form. If by this point on the tour you’re in need of a refreshment, you’ll find some great cafe and restaurant options in this area of De Pijp. Make a pitstop at one of the area’s best restaurants and bars.

Follow Van Woustraat until it turns into Rijnstraat. Here you’ll see more beautiful buildings with extensions and turrets. Also, pay attention to the different shapes and sizes of the windows. Continue along Rijnstraat until the intersection and turn left. Take a look at the elegant round corners and the different colours of brick. Head straight until you reach Victorieplein.

7. Victorieplein

Victorieplein used to be named after the poet Daniël Willink who is known for his writings about the beauty of the city. However, the name was changed in memory of the Allied victory in 1945. Your walk ends with a final example of the Amsterdam School: the city’s first skyscraper. Towering above Amsterdam at 46 meters high, the building was designed by the architect Jan Staal and displays functionalist characteristics which are typical of the style.

Hungry for more stories about the city? As soon as the measures allow, hit the road with Marianne Witte. Send an email to m.witte.wijnberg@live.nl for fascinating in-depth stories with a touch of humour.

The map is drawn by illustrator Monique Wijbrands. View her work at moniquewijbrands.nl