Amsterdam for 2 weeks, Museums, Gardens and Friends
Yes the bad weather did persist, but I did manage to make a few forays into the city of Amsterdam. With my trusty museum card in hand(best 75 euros I have ever spent!) we (that’s Peter and I) visited a number of sights.
First stop was the Bartolotti house, the largest merchant house in Amsterdam. The grandest houses were built by wealthy regents, mayors and merchants on the Herengracht, a canal dug in 1612. As a little aside, when walking around Amsterdam if you are on a street ending in ‘gracht’, you are by a canal. “Gratch” in Dutch translates to canal.
Next on the list were the Oude Kerk and the Nieuwe Kerk. Both started life as Catholic institutions but after the reformation 1578, became Protestant churches. today they are both now used as either exhibition or art spaces.
The Oude Kerk 1650Oude Kerk 202517th century choir screen. The textile bundles are created by Korean artist Kimsooja, using clothing donated by the varied communities of Amsterdam. They ask us to meditate on the important issues of our time, migration, displacement and searching for a home.Rembrandt’s wife Saskia is buried in then Oude KerkThese humorous medieval cravings are in the high choir. The ledges provided support to the monks during long hours of pray. The craving are Dutch proverbs, but all I can say is they are lost in translation, especially the fellow defecating coins.
The Nieuwe Kerk is on Dam square opposite the Palace. To celebrate the 750 anniversary of the city of Amsterdam, it has been draped in scaffolding that you can climb to reach the roof and a view of the city. Sorry I didn’t make the climb, so no photos!
Next to the museums, firstly the Allard Pierson Archaeological Museum and then the Leiden Collection
Then the Allard Pierson Museum is named in honour of the first professor of classical archaeology at the University of Amsterdam. His passion for antiquity led to him assembling over 300 plaster casts of Greek and Roman sculptures. The V&A in London also has a great collection and these were used as teaching aids during the early 20th centuryThe Leiden Collection is the largest collection of Dutch 17th century art in private hands. In celebration of Amsterdams 750th year 75 paintings from the collection were on display in then H’Art museum. I was lucky enough to enjoy this exhibition!Buddist TempleThe Weigh HouseA number of houses in Amsterdam have a disturbing lean to themAnd bicycles everywhereThe main station, with a compass indication the wind direction
I happily explored this lovely city until yes, my comrade in arms, arrived, with James and Colin in tow. Now I need to update you to our mooring in SixHaven.
Amsterdam todayAmsterdam 1879There goes another ship!The harbour is just across from the main station. It is easy to get into the city via walk on walk off ferries that run 24/7. In other words, no standing around waiting. With the port from the cruise liners just across the water we are regularly entertained with the passing scenery
I waited until Julie arrived to visit the ArtZuid, an exhibition of large scale contemporary sculptures and installations in public places. It was a long walk around the outer suburbs of Amsterdam, but a great way to see more than just the city centre.
This installation appealed to the kid in all of us. Labeled Annex #4 was an upside down car with colourful stain glass windowsYolanditaLong tall peace sisterThe monument group, a bit violentQuantum one barrel girl puckeredChain reactionJust a few of the other sculptures
Then more friends arrived, firstly Anne from Brugge and then Helen from Australia and did I have a treat instore for them! When we were in Amsterdam in 2022, we stumbled across the Amsterdam open garden weekend. I have often mention this experience to friends, and this year we were fortunate to be in Amsterdam again over Open Garden Days. 25 euros gives you the opportunity to visit 26 private gardens over 3 days. Well that was the weekend sorted
Welcome Anne and HelenBlack bird feeding her babiesOh Adam was a gardener, and God who made him sees. That half a proper gardeners works done upon his knees So when you work is finished, you can wash you hands and pray. For the glory of the garden that it may not pass away And the glory of the garden shall never pass awayView to the next door gardenIn the gate houseOur favourite garden 46 Keisergracht. Entrance was through a gate. Access to the rear garden was through the hoseJust some photos of other gardens and houses
But all too soon it was farewell to Amsterdam as we left for our next adventure
SixHavenMimosa leaving the harbourPeter avoiding the ferry trafficOn our way
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