13 - 14
Sep
In celebration of the city's 750th anniversary, Open Monumentendag in Amsterdam promises a special and festive program. On this weekend, over 50 monuments will open their doors to the public for free.
Open Monumentendag Amsterdam 2025
Key Highlights
Free Access: Many historical buildings, including some that are normally closed to the public, will be accessible without charge.Late-Night Events: On Saturday, a special "Open Monumentennacht" (Open Monuments Night) program. For the first time, Night Mayor Freek Wallagh will lead a tour past legendary clubs like the Roxy and the iT, which played a key role in the rise of house and techno in the Netherlands.
Diverse Locations: The event will feature a wide range of historical buildings across Amsterdam and the surrounding area, including Weesp. You can expect to explore churches, canal houses, former industrial sites, and private residences.
Guided Tours and Activities: Many locations will offer special activities such as guided tours, lectures, temporary exhibitions, and musical performances.
This event is a fantastic opportunity to discover the rich architectural heritage and history of Amsterdam.
Some Locations
‘Het Plantage Paleis’
This monument on the Nieuwe Herengracht was built around 1697. It is known for its exceptionally decorated high-relief stucco ceiling on the first floor. Other open spaces include the kitchen, a bedroom, the guest quarters, and the garden.
Arti et Amicitiae
This is an artist society founded in 1839. The building features two exhibition halls with cast-iron roof structures, a boardroom, and a members' society hall that was redesigned in 1894. The impressive staircase was designed by H.P. Berlage, who also created much of the furniture.
Fo Guang Shan He Hua Tempel
This is a traditional Chinese Buddhist temple on the Zeedijk. It is a popular destination for Chinese festivals and Buddhist holidays, drawing visitors from all over the Netherlands to come and pray.
Koninklijk Theater Tuschinski
The Tuschinski Royal Theater, which opened in 1921, is a unique stylistic blend of Amsterdam School, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco. Visitors are transported to a fairytale world of gold leaf, a welcome escape from the everyday. During a restoration early this century, long-lost paintings from 1931 were rediscovered in the main hall.
KesselsKramer
This neo-Gothic chapel by A.C. Bleys was built in 1882 as part of a large Roman Catholic charitable complex 'De Voorzienigheid'. After the sisters left in 1991, the demolition of the chapel was narrowly avoided. The current playful interior is by the British firm FAT Architects. Of particular value are the stained-glass windows by Jaap Min from 1964.
Marathontoren Olympisch Stadion
The 1928 Olympic Games were the first in the modern era to be opened with the lighting of the Olympic flame. Jan Wils specially designed this 46-meter-high Marathon Tower for this purpose. The acoustic openings under the bowl where the flame burned were intended for loudspeakers. It is possible to reach the balconies via the internal staircase, where buglers were sometimes stationed during the games.
Sint Jacobskapel
The central wing containing the former chapel is all that remains of the Sint Jacobsgesticht, which opened in 1866 and was designed by architect W.J.J. Offenberg. The impressive chapel space has largely retained its original appearance, even after various renovations. The stained-glass windows, installed between 1942 and 1952, were designed by W.M.M. Mengelberg.
Universiteitsbibliotheek UvA
The former Second Surgical Clinic and the Nurses' Residence of the Binnengasthuis from 1897 have been converted into the new university library of the UvA. The design is by MVSA Architects, in collaboration with Buro van Stigt. The biggest eye-catcher is the steel and glass canopy of the former courtyard, which is shaped like a huge tree leaf with veins. For more info: Open Monumentendag Amsterdam 2025
Upcoming