City Secrets Amsterdam

D'Oude Raai

Rijwiel-Automobiel Industrie, yeah thats Dutch.

1 min readFerdinand Bolstraat 321

Standing in front of this building, it is almost unimaginable that it is the precursor of the imposing structure at the end of the street. Today, the old RAI building serves as a care home. The original name of the RAI, Rijwiel-Automobiel Industrie, traces its origins to its founder Leonard Lang. Lang foresaw a promising future for both bicycles and cars in the Netherlands, which led to the establishment of first the RI (Rijwiel Industrie) and later the RAI.

However, with the rise of cars in the country, this original building proved too small and was eventually demolished. In its place, the current 'Oude Raai' and the famous Okura hotel emerged at this location.

Map showing Ferdinand Bolstraat 321
Ferdinand Bolstraat 321Amsterdam
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Sources. Story: Source story: 10000 stappen Photos: Source photo: Stadsarchief Amsterdam

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