Beurs van Berlage

You are standing in front of the Beurs van Berlage, an imposing national monument located in the heart of Amsterdam. The building has a rich history as an exhibition space, conference centre and event venue. But did you know that the construction of this fair was anything but self-evident? In the 1970s, the Beurs van Zocher no longer proved adequate for Amsterdam's economic growth. After a long debate between different parties, it was decided to build a new Stock Exchange as part of a major urban plan to connect Central Station with Dam Square.

A competition was launched to allow several architects to submit their designs. Designs were submitted under a motto rather than by name to avoid favouritism or nationalistic feelings. In the end, 199 designs were judged by the jury, including the design by Hendrik Petrus Berlage and his partner. Although they did not finish first, they were the only Dutchmen left in the final five-strong competition. Louise Marie Cordonnier, the winner of the competition, had a design that had similarities in style and use of materials to La Rochelle's town hall. When the winners were exhibited, a reader of the magazine 'de Opmerker' noticed that her design was almost identical to that of the La Rochelle town hall. Because there was plagiarism and a lack of a full budget, her victory went astray.

The construction of the Beurs van Berlage was controversial because it did not fit in with the architecture of the only 20 years younger Rijksmuseum and Central Station. Since its opening in 1903, the building's clock has struck 5 to 9 every morning because the fair opens at 9 o'clock. Today, the Beurs van Berlage is a must-see attraction for anyone interested in architecture. The AEX, today's Amsterdam Stock Exchange is located right next to the Beurs van Berlage on the Stock Exchange square.