Royal Palace of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Overview

The Royal Palace of Amsterdam is the seat of Dutch royalty and one of the three palaces in the Netherlands at the disposal of the Monarch by the Act of Parliament in Dam Square, Amsterdam. Visitors can visit most of the rooms in the Palace.

Built in the seventeenth century, this stunning palace, also known as the Paleis op de Dam, is King Willem-Alexander’s official reception palace and is still used for state visits, royal receptions, and award ceremonies. The public is allowed to visit most of the important rooms, making the Royal Palace of Amsterdam a perfect stop for architecture enthusiasts, history buffs and just about any tourist interested in Dutch history. The magnificent architecture, exquisite sculptures, beautiful paintings, wall hangings, rich furniture, and the glistening chandeliers adorn this 350-year-old palace. Visitors are welcome to explore the elegance of Dutch royalty. The maginificent Royal Palace of Amsterdam is the largest and most prestigious building from the Dutch Golden Age, making it one of the Netherlands’ most important monuments. The Royal Palace is a fitting bridge from the royal past to the present that does justice to the wealth and grandeur of the throne.

History

Originally built to be a city hall in 1655, the Royal Palace of Amsterdam was an administrative building till the nineteenth century, when Louis Napoleon, Napoleon Bonaparte’s brother, moved to Amsterdam after being declared King Louis I of Holland. He was responsible for picking most of the tasteful interiors of the palace, from chandeliers to furniture to clocks. After his abdication, the palace served as the home of the French Governor until the Netherlands was free from French rule. Today it serves as one of the three royal palaces of the royal family.

The Dutch baroque style of architecture is starkly evident in the construction of the Royal Palace, and the paintings and sculptures by masters like Rembrandt, Lievens, Flinck, and Bol are a must-see.

Architecture of the Royal Palace of Amsterdam

Citizens’ Hall: The three-storey high Citizens’ Hall was designed Campen to encapsulate the glory of Amsterdam in one room. With an imposing statue of the Amsterdam Maiden, the elements and the planets, the message is clear – Amsterdam is the centre of the universe. This grandiose room is framed by two marble floor maps of the world, with an East-West hemisphere division. The celestial and terrestrial hemispheres made in the eighteenth-century show off the extent and influence of the Dutch empire.

Council Chamber: Also called Moses Hall after the numerous paintings and wall hangings depicting Moses, this room was used as a meeting place and concert hall. Today the gorgeous paintings bring tourists flocking to the room. The Empire furniture handpicked by Bonaparte is worth a visit!

Inside the Royal Palace of Amsterdam — Opulently designed Royal Palace (Source)

Greek statues: At the far end of the Palace is a six-metre larger-than-life marble statue of the Greek God Atlas carrying the earth on his shoulders. This is a metaphor for the prowess and extent of the Dutch empire. Try to spot the other statues of the Greek Pantheon on the other side of the Palace.

Cupola: The stunning domed cupola is the crowning glory of the palace, placed below a ship-shaped weather vane. Beneath the dome hangs the Hemony carillon, a set of bells designed in 1664. These were originally meant to announce the comings and goings of ships in the harbour visible through the high windows of the cupola and signaled the maritime power of Amsterdam. Twentieth-century replicas adorn the cupola now, while the original Hemony bells are safely placed in the palace.

Balcony: The royal balcony was added to the palace in the 1800s. The impeccable railings and banisters are regal and elegant. Today the balcony is used for royal announcements and post-wedding appearances, the most memorable of which is that of Prince Willem-Alexander and Princess Máxima after their wedding in 2002.

Tips

Large bags, backpacks, umbrellas, and other huge objects are not allowed inside the Palace and must be left in the cloakroom.
Selfie sticks and tripods are not allowed inside.
Flash photography is not permitted.
Filming of any kind (even on a mobile phone) is not permitted.
There are no restaurants or cafés inside the palace. Premade snacks are also not allowed inside. There are restaurants nearby in Dam Square.
Smoking is not allowed in the Palace.
The building is wheelchair accessible. Free wheelchairs are available on prior notice.

How To Reach Royal Palace of Amsterdam

The Royal Palace of Amsterdam is located at 147 Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal (a street), 1012 RJ, Amsterdam. It is on the western side of Dam Square.

Metro: Take train numbers 51, 52, 53, or 54 and alight at Amsterdam Central Station. The palace is a seven-minute walk away. A ticket valid for one-hour costs EUR 3.50.

Tram: Take tram route numbers 2, 11, 12, 13, or 17 and get down at Dam Square Station. The palace is a two-minute walk away. A tram ticket valid for 90 minutes costs EUR 6.50.

Taxi: Starting at EUR 3.50, hail a taxi to get dropped at the entrance of the Palace.

Cycle: For a price of EUR 8 – 10 per day, rent a cycle and follow the signs to the Royal Palace. There are cycle racks nearby.