Burgerweeshuis, Former orphanage in central Amsterdam, Netherlands
Description
Burgerweeshuis is a former orphanage in central Amsterdam with a large connected layout. The building comprises 336 interconnected modular units arranged around an inner courtyard and features distinctive convex roofs made from synthetic materials.
History
The orphanage was established in 1520 by wealthy citizens and initially admitted only children from families with special Amsterdam residence rights. After centuries of use, it was renovated in 2015 and converted into office and exhibition space.
Culture
The orphans wore uniforms split into red on the left and black on the right, mirroring Amsterdam's historical colors. These distinctive outfits made the children immediately recognizable as they moved through the city streets.
Practical
Today the building serves as office and exhibition space displaying an art collection following its renovation. The modular structure with numerous rooms and interior passages invites self-guided exploration, and it helps to walk slowly to understand the different levels and connected areas.
Did you know?
Architect Aldo van Eyck designed the building as a maze of interconnected interior and exterior spaces that turned children's movement through the grounds into an adventure. This unusual spatial arrangement is considered an example of innovative 20th-century orphanage architecture.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Amsterdam).
Amsterdam Museum
11 m
Concordia
34 m
Sint Luciënsteeg 7, Amsterdam
59 m
Pand met gevel van twee vensterassen, onder rechte triglyfenlijst
40 m
Begijnhof 14A, Amsterdam
62 m
Kalverstraat 108, Amsterdam
58 m
Kalverstraat 100, Amsterdam
55 m
Kalverstraat 96, Amsterdam
56 m
Kalverstraat 94, Amsterdam
58 m
Hoekhuis met gevel onder rechte lijst waarop dakkapel
25 m
Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 292, Amsterdam
62 m
Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 294, Amsterdam
60 m
Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 302, Amsterdam
59 m
Pand met klokgevel met gelobde afdekking
58 m
Pand met gevel van twee vensterassen, onder rechte triglyfenlijst
37 m
Pand met gevel van twee vensterassen, onder rechte triglyfenlijst
35 m
Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 296, Amsterdam
58 m
Pand met gevel onder rechte lijst met triglyfen en consoles
27 m
Pand met gevel onder rechte lijst
26 m
Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 300, Amsterdam
58 m
Kalverstraat 90, Amsterdam
57 m
Begijnhof 12A, Amsterdam
62 m
Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 353, Amsterdam
26 m
Kalverstraat 98, Amsterdam
55 m
Achterste (thans oudste) deel van Modemagazijn Gerzon
58 m
Pand met halsgevel met wapen van Amsterdam in de afdekking en twee oeils-de-boeuf. Vormt groep met nrs 100 en 104. (Op gezamenlijke moderne pui met nrs 100, 104 en 106)
55 m
Pand met halsgevel met wapen van Amsterdam in de afdekking en twee oeils-de-boeuf. Vormt groep met nrs 100 en 102. (Op gezamenlijke moderne pui met nrs 100, 102 en 106)
55 m
Sint Luciënsteeg 9, Amsterdam
55 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes