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The Royal Palace of Amsterdam was not always the residence of the Royals – in 1648, during the Golden Age of prosperity, the government of Amsterdam commissioned the architect Jacob van Campen to design a new city hall, as which it was being used from 1665 until 1808, when the brother of the Emperor Napoleon became the King of the Netherlands and declared the beautiful building as his residence. Five years later, Prince William of Orange, who became King William I later, returned the palace to the city of Amsterdam with one condition: Every time when being in the city he has the right for using the palace as his personal residence.
Today the Royal Palace on the Dam Square is one of the three Palaces which the State has placed at the Queen's disposal by an Act of Parliament. It is used for every kind of Royal events like the reception of other Royal Families or Presidents and Chancellors, during their visits in The Netherlands and as well for the Queen's New Year reception.
The Palace houses one of the world's most complete and well-preserved collections of 2,000 pieces of Empire-style furniture and decorative arts, including wooden and upholstered furniture, bronze chandeliers and original wall hangings. 17 rooms, halls and galleries are accessible for the visitors, featuring the Empire collection, hand-painted ceilings, marble floors as well as epic sculptures and 17th and 18th Century paintings.
The Palace stays open for the public most of the year, just for Royal events public visitors are not allowed in the Palace. On the Palace’s website you can find all the information about upcoming Royal Events.
There is also an audio guide included in the entrance fee (available in Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish) but you also have the possibility to book a special guided tour with a qualified art historian (60 € for groups of 10-20 adults or 5-15 children) which leads you through the chambers of the former Royal residence.
Address: Royal Palace, Dam Square, Amsterdam
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday: 12:00 to 17:00, Summer months (July and August): 11:00 to 17:00
Admission: Adults 7.50 €, Children between 5 and 16 years and students 6.50 €, Children up to 4 years free
Credits Pics:
Royal Palace Relief Flickr Gallery bestbi&tucker
Royal Palace, Amsterdam, NL Flickr Gallery La Sequencia
Royal Palace at the Dam Flickr Gallery thecomicproject
