Should the palace on Dam Square become city hall again? “Good for the identity of Amsterdam”
We all know it as the Paleis op de Dam, but the building originally had a completely different function: that of town hall. According to urban planning René Strijland, the time has come to give the palace back its function. According to him, it would be good for the identity of Amsterdam.
The building was built in the times of the VOC. According to Strijland, it is good for historical awareness if the city council takes up this position. “I think that if Mrs. Halsema and the groups meet here, they might understand a little more where the city comes from and what the VOC history exactly entails. It is also a leaden last when it comes to slavery, for example. feels the historical pressure. It would improve the quality of decision-making.”
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In the VOC period, the town hall played a key role and had the associated functions, says Strijland. “The Amsterdam Bank was located on the ground floor, where the shares were issued. The risks of the VOC expeditions were thus spread out, which was partly the success of the VOC event.
political majority
According to Strijland, the time is right to return the palace to the people of Amsterdam. “There is a political majority that wants it. Nota bene, the CDA of the Amsterdam Center district council has started a movement to take it back. And they all say it has to go back.”
A small tour of passers-by on Dam Square seems to confirm this image. “The Oranges have plenty of buildings, you don’t have to feel sorry for that,” says a lady when asked. Something Strijland agrees: “They have enough palaces that still look pico bello. They can safely let this town hall pass.”