Between the bustling streets of Damrak and Nieuwendijk in the heart of Amsterdam, De Beurspassage offers visitors an unexpected artistic oasis. This covered pedestrian passage connects two of the city’s busiest shopping corridors while providing a breathtaking immersive art experience that captures the essence of Dutch creativity and innovation.
As you step off the crowded streets and into this modern arcade, you’re immediately transported into a shimmering underwater world crafted through stunning mosaic artistry, stained glass, and innovative design. What might appear at first glance to be a simple shortcut between shopping areas reveals itself as one of Amsterdam’s most unique hidden gems—a true feast for the senses that locals and tourists alike have come to treasure.
Amsterdam Oersoep: A Mesmerizing Underwater Art Installation
The true magic of De Beurspassage lies in its breathtaking centerpiece: the “Amsterdam Oersoep” (Amsterdam Primordial Soup) art installation, a collaborative masterpiece by renowned artists Arno Coenen and Iris Roskam, alongside Hans van Bentem. Completed in 2016, this stunning work transforms an ordinary passage into an extraordinary artistic journey that tells the story of Amsterdam’s deep connection with water.
Look up, and you’ll be mesmerized by the spectacular barrel-vaulted ceiling covered in a shimmering emerald green mosaic of Italian glass stones. This dazzling surface creates the illusion of walking along the bottom of an Amsterdam canal, complete with floating fish, ethereal air bubbles, and objects that celebrate the city’s rich history and culture.
The artistry continues on the walls, where handmade tiles adorned with opulent gold leaf complement bluish-green tiling. Large, gilded mirrors in Art Deco style punctuate the walls, depicting theories of human evolution from aquatic origins. These elegant touches are further enhanced by handmade stained glass lamps hanging from the sides, providing a warm, inviting glow throughout the passage.
Perhaps the most distinct Amsterdam is the magnificent gold-colored chandeliers suspended from the ceiling. While classically formed, these stunning fixtures are ingeniously composed entirely of recycled bicycle parts—a creative nod to the city’s famous cycling culture.
Near one entrance, you’ll find a whimsical large fish mouth sculpture invitingly titled “Take some Mokum with you,” functioning as a small fountain where visitors can fill a bottle with Amsterdam water.
A Passage Through History
While the modern De Beurspassage dazzles with contemporary artistry, its story stretches back centuries. Originally a humble medieval alleyway known as Baafjessteeg dating to at least 1416, this corridor has witnessed the evolution of Amsterdam itself. The name “Beurspassage” (Exchange Passageway) emerged in 1905, shortly after the completion of Hendrik Petrus Berlage’s monumental Koopmansbeurs (now known as the Beurs van Berlage) nearby.
The passage underwent its most recent transformation in 2010 as part of an extensive redevelopment project called “Nowadays,” led by American and Dutch architectural firms. This ambitious undertaking revitalized the entire block and culminated in 2016 with the unveiling of the renovated passage crowned by the spectacular “Amsterdam Oersoep” artwork.
Today, De Beurspassage stands as a testament to Amsterdam’s ability to honor its history while embracing innovative artistic expression—a perfect blend of the old and new, the practical and the beautiful.
Shopping and Refreshments
While De Beurspassage primarily serves as an artistic connector between Damrak and Nieuwendijk, it does house several commercial establishments. The international fashion retailer Primark is prominently located at one end, often cited as a landmark for finding the entrance. For those seeking refreshments, various cafés offer pastries and hot drinks perfect for a quick break during your Amsterdam adventures.
The broader “Nowadays” project, which includes the passage, incorporates several major international retailers and coffee spots. This blend of art and commerce creates a uniquely Amsterdam experience where practicality meets inspiration.
Essential Visitor Information
De Beurspassage is exceptionally well-located in central Amsterdam, making it easily accessible for all visitors:
- Location: Between Damrak 70-80 and Nieuwendijk 196, just a stone’s throw from Dam Square and Amsterdam Centraal Station
- Public Transport: Amsterdam Centraal Station is a 5-minute walk away; tram lines 4, 14, and 24 stop at Dam Square; Metro 52 has a stop at Rokin (use the Dam Square exit)
- Hours: As a public passageway, De Beurspassage remains open for transit much like a regular street, though the artistic lighting effects are best appreciated during daytime and evening hours
- Cost: Free to enter and explore
- Nearby Attractions: Dam Square, Royal Palace, Beurs van Berlage, De Bijenkorf department store, and Nieuwe Kerk
Visit De Beurspassage and see how a simple connector between busy streets has been transformed into one of Amsterdam’s most innovative public art spaces—a true hidden gem hiding in plain sight.