Nieuwe Kerk, Gothic church and exhibition space at Dam Square, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Nieuwe Kerk is a church building and museum at Dam Square in Amsterdam, displaying Gothic Revival elements with tall vaults and arches. Large stained glass windows let light through the stone walls, while a copper rood screen by Johannes Lutma divides the interior.
The building rose in 1408 after a fire destroyed the earlier church structure. Royal coronations and weddings of the Dutch monarchy have taken place here since the 17th century.
The church carries the name New Church, though it dates back more than six centuries, to distinguish it from the older building that preceded it. Locals and visitors walk through the space to view temporary shows that range from world cultures to modern photography.
The entrance sits directly on Dam Square, so visitors can reach the building easily from the busy city center. Opening times and access depend on current exhibitions, so checking online beforehand helps.
The building has no tower spire, as funds ran out during construction and the project was never completed. This unfinished silhouette sets it apart from most European church buildings of the same era.
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