t Green house at Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam
t Green house at Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam
Experience Plantage
Known as the “plantation”, this area was once green parkland beyond the city wall, where 17th-century Amsterdammers spent their leisure time. The area was designated as a space for urban expansion in 1663, but economic crisis in 1672 meant that the government could not find enough buyers for the land. As a result, citizens could buy plots and a multitude of green spaces were the result. From about 1848, it became one of Amsterdam’s first suburbs and theatres and dance halls opened their doors. In the 19th century, many middle-class Jews prospered in the area, mainly in the diamond-cutting industry. They formed a large part of the Diamond Workers’ Union, whose headquarters were housed in De Burcht.
The area also has a long maritime association. Following the loss of the first Anglo-Dutch War, it was decided that the military ships needed to be better organised to protect the merchant fleet. In 1655, the government built a wharf on Kattenburg island for the military unit and a few years later an arsenal was added to the site. Since 1972, this building has housed the national maritime collection. Across the Nieuwevaart canal, a former thriving shipyard, dating from 1757, houses the Museum ‘t Kromhout.