Koopmansbeurs, Trading exchange building in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
The Koopmansbeurs is a trading building in Amsterdam with a central open area and 42 columns that structure the space. The interior was arranged so merchants could conduct business from designated spots throughout the floor.
The building was designed in 1611 after architect Hendrick de Keyser studied the London Exchange. It became Amsterdam's first exchange during the Dutch Golden Age.
The name comes from the Dutch word for merchant, reflecting the traders who gathered here from across the city. The way trading positions were arranged showed the hierarchy and specialization among buyers and sellers who worked side by side daily.
The building no longer stands in its original form, as it had to be closed due to ground subsidence problems. Visitors can learn about its history through museum exhibits and historical records in the city.
Specialized traders occupied the corner positions on the trading floor, where they focused on specific goods and transactions. These corner spots were so valuable that they were highly sought after by established merchants.
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