De Oude Kerk in Amsterdam (The Old Church), located in Red Light District, is both one of the city’s newest art organizations and the oldest building in existence. The church has developed through the roughly seven centuries since its founding to become one of the most impressive Gothic ecclesiastical structures in northern Europe.
1. Oude Kerk: Unmissable attraction in Amsterdam
De Oude Kerk (The Old Church), a large and imposing church, dominates the Red Light District. You will be shocked to see the Princess Juliana Nursery School to its right, a coffee shop to its left, and windows featuring sex workers in front of it as you enter the church. There is a contrast that could not be greater.
The oldest and most significant church in Amsterdam for many years is the Oude Kerk. Although the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) now holds this distinction, it is still one of the most magnificent things to see.
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2. The Oldest Building In Amsterdam
Originally constructed in the 13th century out of wood, the church was rebuilt in stone at the end of the century. The Oude Kerk has been restored and expanded numerous times because of the city’s fast growth.
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The inside of the Oude Kerk was destroyed during the events of August 1566, when the people of Amsterdam rose up against the Catholic Church. Even now, you can still see evidence of vandalism. The Old Church became a Reformed Protestant church during the so-called Alteration of 1578, and it continues to be one today.
3. And the youngest art institute in Amsterdam
Despite frequently hosting exhibitions and other special events throughout the years, the Oude Kerk became the first church in Holland to be given the formal status of a museum in 2016. Its objective is to exhibit contemporary art in a setting rich in history.
As a result, it welcomes curators from the Netherlands and throughout the world to organize exhibitions, create installations, and host performances inside the church, not just showcasing art but also producing new works that engage with the structure and its history.
4. What is special about Oude Kerk Amsterdam?
Architecture
was initially constructed as a Catholic place of worship but eventually evolved into one of the distinctive structures representing the national character of Dutch Protestantism. De Oude Kerk is distinct from other Protestant churches in The Netherlands, which all have modest interiors and contain few artifacts.
De Oude Kerk in Amsterdam includes elements common to Catholic cathedrals in Europe. Like the choir’s sculpted misericords, the building’s remarkable design, its tall, light-filled windows, and its imposing antique gravestones. Because of them, it is one of Amsterdam’s top tourist attractions.
Organs
The Old Church also has a renowned historical grand organ from the 17th century, as well as a smaller transept organ and another contemporary cabinet organ. A significant series of organ concerts are given at the church throughout the year. It also serves as the location of The International Organ Festival, which takes place there every summer from July through September.
Renowned artifacts
Within this old cathedral, you can find historical artifacts from all periods, each with a tale to tell. Graves from significant historical periods in Amsterdam are marked by the large stones on the ground. Grand stained glass windows, many of which are from the 15th and 16th centuries, let in colorful light.
As a reminder of its past life as a waterfront church, miniature ships are still hanging there. And as you lift your gaze to the ceiling, the wooden vault reveals pieces of the church where organ concerts were formerly regularly held.
5. Opening times for Oude Kerk
You can go inside the Oude Kerk and climb the tower for a glimpse of Amsterdam’s historic center.
- Monday through Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Sunday: 1 p.m to 5:30 p.m
The days of April 27 (Kingsday) and December 25 are both off for Oude Kerk (Christmas).
From April through September, the Oude Kerk tower is open on Thursday through Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m., with tours departing every 30 minutes.
6. Ticket prices
- Adults: €10.
- Students and <21: €5.
- Children under 13 years: Free.
7. Directions to Oude Kerk
The Central Station and Dam Square are both within walking distance of Oude Kerk. Avoid driving there since many of the streets in the Red Light District are inaccessible to cars. The Bijenkorf parking garage is the closest one.
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