subject: Enjoying The Modern Architecture Of Amsterdam [print this page] As the capital city of the Netherlands, a visit to Amsterdam is a lesson in history and architecture. Right outside of your city hotel, Amsterdam has over 7,000 registered historic buildings for you to stroll explore. But not only does this leading world city offer an architecturally guided tour through history, it boasts a new and fresh approach to modern architecture; how it blends in with the classical buildings and cityscape is worth taking note of as you leave your city hotel. Amsterdam has too many stunning and interesting works of modern architecture to list, but while you are visiting, make sure you take time to see the Architecture Centre, the NEMO science building and the Van Gogh Museum Exhibition Wing.
The Architecture Centre
Ideally located near your central city hotel, Amsterdam offers the stunning work of modern architecture that is the Architecture Centre. Located at Prins Hendrikkade 600 and built in 2003, the Architecture Centre was the result of the original Architecture Centre of Amsterdam needing a larger space. The architect re-used some of the original foundation materials and the final building is visually pleasing from all angles. The way the folded skin and the bevelled glass faade work together creates a flowing visual, the glass that opens alternately maintains a balance in the smoothness of the exterior. As you visit, notice that the reserved colour palette was chosen to enhance the bold curtain design of the structure itself.
The NEMO Science Building
Located about fifteen minutes from your central city hotel, Amsterdams waterline provides the fantastically designed NEMO science building for you to visit and explore. The building is built above the IJ Tunnel, which means that the tunnels curves, in places, become echoed in the NEMO building. The building itself is covered with copper and since it sits right on the waterline, it appears to rise out of the water. Inside the NEMO building you will find a wonderfully diverse science museum which opens its doors to about 500,000 people every year and is the Netherlands largest science museum. While visiting the NEMO, be sure to go up to the roof terrace and take in the fantastic views out over the city.
The Van Gogh Museum Exhibition Wing
Looking like a half a circle from above, the Van Gogh Museum Exhibition Wing was designed by Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa and completed in 1999. After you head over from your city hotel, Amsterdam will fade into a calm oasis as you arrive at the Van Gogh Museum. Make your way to the Exhibition Wing [its only entrance is through a passage in the main building]; you will arrive into the Promenade which forms a circle around a shallow pond and echoes the peaceful atmosphere of the museum. There are three levels to the museum, all with lots of glass to allow natural light to flood the spaces. The top level is home to the Print Room: an asymmetrical cube, which hangs above the pond.
