Description
Ah, the Huis met de Kolommen – or as we locals like to call it, the House with the Columns. This grand old dame of Amsterdam’s Golden Age architecture has been turning heads on the Herengracht since 1672. And let me tell you, she’s aged like a fine Dutch cheese – only getting better with time!
Now, I’ve walked past this stately mansion hundreds of times on my way to work, and it never fails to impress. The fa√ßade alone is enough to make you stop in your tracks and gawk. Those iconic columns supporting the small balcony above the entrance? Pure architectural eye candy.
But this isn’t just any old canal house. Since 1927, it’s been the official residence of Amsterdam’s mayor. Yep, our city’s big cheese calls this place home. Talk about a sweet gig, right? I mean, imagine waking up every morning to those stunning canal views. Not too shabby!
The history of this place is as rich as a slice of appeltaart. It was originally built for Paulus Godin, a big shot in the West India Company. Over the years, it’s been home to various well-to-do families and even underwent a major facelift in 1791 courtesy of the city architect Abraham van der Hart.
But here’s a juicy tidbit for you – the house only became the mayoral residence thanks to a generous donation. In 1920, the then-owner Cornelis Johannes Karel van Aalst gifted it to the city on one condition: it had to become the mayor’s official digs. Talk about a housewarming gift!
Now, I’ve never had the pleasure of stepping inside (invitations seem to get lost in the mail, you know?), but I’ve heard it’s quite the sight to behold. Rumor has it the interior is decked out with some seriously swanky furnishings and artwork. And don’t even get me started on the garden – it’s an oasis of green in the heart of the city.
Key Features
Alright, let’s dive into what makes the Huis met de Kolommen so darn special. Trust me, there’s more to this place than meets the eye!
First off, those columns. I mean, they don’t call it the House with the Columns for nothin’! These bad boys are the defining feature of the fa√ßade, supporting a small balcony above the entrance. They’re like the architectural equivalent of a power pose – commanding attention and respect.
Now, let’s talk about the fa√ßade itself. It’s a masterclass in Dutch Baroque style. The symmetry, the large windows, the decorative elements – it’s all there, screaming “I’m fancy and I know it!” And don’t even get me started on that red beech tree in the garden. It’s older than your great-grandma and twice as majestic.
Inside, it’s a whole other ballgame. While us common folk don’t get to snoop around freely (bummer, I know), word on the street is that it’s pretty darn impressive. We’re talking ornate ceilings, fancy fireplaces, and enough antique furniture to make an auction house drool.
One of my favorite features? The garden. It’s like a secret slice of paradise hidden right in the middle of the bustling city. Long grassy lawns, flower borders, and that grand old beech tree I mentioned earlier. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to sip tea and pretend you’re nobility.
Oh, and let’s not forget the location. Smack bang on the Herengracht, one of Amsterdam’s most prestigious canals. The views from those windows must be something else. I mean, imagine watching the boats glide by as you sip your morning koffie. Not a bad way to start the day, eh?
But here’s a fun fact for you – the house actually has a separate coach house that faces onto the Keizersgracht. Talk about a two-for-one deal! It was built a bit later, in 1684, and was eventually split off from the main property. Still, it adds an extra layer of intrigue to the whole setup.
And let’s not overlook the historical significance. This place has seen some stuff, let me tell you. From wealthy merchants to city bigwigs, the walls of this house could probably tell some pretty wild stories if they could talk. It’s like a living, breathing piece of Amsterdam’s history.
Best Time to Visit
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “When’s the best time to visit this fancy pants house?” Well, let me break it down for ya.
First things first, let’s address the elephant in the room. The Huis met de Kolommen isn’t exactly open for daily tours. It is, after all, someone’s home. And not just anyone’s home – the mayor’s home. So, don’t expect to just waltz in and start poking around.
But don’t let that dampen your spirits! There are still plenty of opportunities to get up close and personal with this architectural beauty. The exterior is visible year-round, and trust me, it’s worth a gander no matter the season.
That being said, if you want to see the Huis met de Kolommen at its absolute best, aim for spring or early summer. Why, you ask? Two words: Tulip Season.
Every year, usually in April, Amsterdam goes tulip crazy during the Tulip Festival. And guess what? The garden of the Huis met de Kolommen gets in on the action. The flowerbeds are filled with a riot of colorful tulips, turning the already beautiful garden into a floral wonderland. It’s like a mini Keukenhof right in the heart of the city!
Now, if you’re dead set on getting a peek inside, your best bet is to plan your visit during Open Monumentendag. This annual event, usually held in September, sees many of Amsterdam’s historic buildings open their doors to the public. And yes, that sometimes includes the Huis met de Kolommen.
I remember stumbling upon this event a few years back. Let me tell you, the queue was longer than the line for a fresh stroopwafel on a Saturday morning. But boy, was it worth the wait! Getting to nose around inside was like stepping back in time. Just remember, it’s not guaranteed to be open every year, so check the program in advance.
Winter can also be a magical time to visit. The canal houses look particularly charming when dusted with snow, and the Huis met de Kolommen is no exception. Plus, if you’re lucky, you might catch it all lit up for the Amsterdam Light Festival. Now that’s a sight to see!
One last tip – try to time your visit for early morning or late afternoon. The light at these times can be absolutely stunning, perfect for capturing that Instagram-worthy shot. Just imagine the golden hour glow reflecting off those grand windows. Chef’s kiss, I tell you!
How to Get There
Alright, you’re sold on visiting the Huis met de Kolommen. Great choice! Now, let’s get you there without any hassle. Trust me, as a local who’s navigated Amsterdam’s winding streets more times than I can count, I’ve got you covered.
First things first, let’s nail down the location. The Huis met de Kolommen is situated at Herengracht 502. That’s right in the heart of Amsterdam’s canal ring, which means it’s pretty darn central. Good news for you, traveler!
Now, if you’re staying in the city center, walking is often your best bet. Amsterdam is a compact city, and half the fun is strolling along the canals, taking in the sights. From Dam Square, it’s about a 10-minute walk. Just head down the Rokin, take a right onto Spui, and then left onto the Herengracht. Keep an eye out for those iconic columns and voila! You’ve arrived.
If walking isn’t your thing (or you’ve had one too many stroopwafels), public transport is your friend. The nearest tram stop is Koningsplein, served by lines 2 and 12. From there, it’s a short walk down the Herengracht. Just follow the house numbers until you hit 502.
For the cyclists among you (and let’s face it, when in Amsterdam…), there are plenty of bike rental shops scattered around the city. Pedaling along the canals is a quintessential Amsterdam experience. Just remember to lock up your bike securely – bike theft is no joke here!
If you’re coming from further afield, like Schiphol Airport or Amsterdam Centraal Station, your best bet is to take the train to Amsterdam Centraal and then hop on a tram or take a leisurely walk.
One word of caution – driving in central Amsterdam can be a bit of a nightmare. Narrow streets, one-way systems, and limited parking make it a challenge even for us locals. If you must drive, your best bet is to park at one of the P+R facilities on the outskirts of the city and take public transport into the center.
Oh, and here’s a pro tip from yours truly – combine your visit to the Huis met de Kolommen with a canal tour. Many of the boats pass by on the Herengracht, giving you a unique perspective of the house from the water. It’s like killing two birds with one stone – or as we say in Dutch, “twee vliegen in √©√©n klap slaan”!
Remember, half the fun of visiting Amsterdam is getting lost in its charming streets. So don’t stress too much about taking the most direct route. Wander a bit, explore the neighborhood, and who knows? You might stumble upon your new favorite caf√© or boutique along the way.
And if all else fails, just ask a local. We may have a reputation for being direct, but we’re always happy to point a lost traveler in the right direction. Just don’t ask us about the Red Light District – that’s a whole other can of worms!
So there you have it, folks. Your comprehensive guide to visiting the Huis met de Kolommen. Whether you’re an architecture buff, a history nerd, or just someone who appreciates a good facade, this grand old house is sure to impress. And who knows? Maybe you’ll catch a glimpse of the mayor going about their day. Just don’t expect an invite for tea – I’m still waiting for mine!