Imagine warships rising here. The Marinekazerne Amsterdam whispers tales of naval power and a golden age of exploration.
Welcome to the Marinekazerne Amsterdam. This area has been known as Marine Land for over 350 years. It began in 1655 as a huge shipbuilding yard on Kattenburg island. Willem Bijleveld a former director of the National Maritime Museum called this historic ground. He declared that the Admiralty of Amsterdam built great warships here. These ships protected the VOC fleet’s merchant ships. The Admiralty of Amsterdam was the forerunner of the Royal Marines.
Amsterdam was the largest harbor in the world during the Golden Age. VOC ships sailed across the globe. They brought back herbs spices and materials to the Netherlands. These voyages were very dangerous. The Admiralty’s warships protected the VOC fleet from pirates. These warships were constructed in the Land’s Dock. It was the largest and most innovative shipyard in the country. It was also one of Amsterdam’s biggest employers.
The Gatehouse is one of the few remaining 17th-century buildings. It stands with its old entrance in Marine Land. Hundreds of workers carpenters mast-makers and painters passed through the gate daily. A bell once hung above the gate. It rang to announce the start of work. You can now see this same bell in the Maritime Museum.
The National Maritime Marine building also reminds us of the Golden Age. It was built in 1656. It served as the central storehouse for cannons sails flags and other equipment. This allowed for the rapid furnishing of new warships. Daniel Stalpaert designed the building. He also designed the Royal Palace on Dam Square.
Warships were built in the Land’s Dock for 260 years. They ranged from wooden Ships of the Line for Michiel de Ruyter to armored cruisers for Queen Wilhelmina. A dam was built between Amsterdam and the river IJ in 1828. This protected the city from floods. The Eastern Dock Lock was created between the shipyard and the Zuiderzee. It provided access to the North Sea. The lock entrance proved too narrow for bigger ships.
The building of the new railway station and railway lines also led to the yard’s closure. The Marinekazerne Amsterdam closed its gates in 1915.
The slipways are gone. Yet the memory of the Land’s shipyard must be cherished. Michiel de Ruyter made history. He sailed into battle from the yard. He helped establish a strong Dutch Republic. This history should always be felt as you walk over the grounds.
The southern part of the Marine Land is the oldest part of the barracks. It is next to the Maritime Museum. This area is now open to the public. There are four buildings here. Building 003 is the largest and loveliest. It is the historical Gate House a State Monument. It now houses studios for artists who are developing ideas on Maritime Power.
Innovative small businesses are also here. Like the Ship Yard they have the opportunity to develop new ideas and operate internationally. The other three buildings on the Voorwerf date from the second half of the 20th century. Building 006 is from the 1960s. It has been restored with attention to detail and historic feeling. It is now Pension Homeland.
It was once the officers’ stay of the Marine barracks. Officers had single or double rooms depending on their rank. The commander had an apartment. The officers had a common room on the ground floor. The Marines called it the longroom. Meals were prepared and served there. Formal dinners were sometimes held. Men wore ceremonial uniforms. Ladies wore evening gowns.
The longroom was used for receptions and parties. It was mainly a common room. People watched TV played billiards and had drinks at the bar. An ordinary working day usually ended with a beer.
The Ministery of Defense controlled this Land and its barracks for 350 years. Part of this area has been transferred to the Central Government Real Estate Agency. Bureau Marineterrein Amsterdam manages the transferred buildings and sites. It operates on behalf of the national government and the City of Amsterdam. Guided tours are available on the historical Marineterrein.
Today the Marinekazerne Amsterdam stands as a testament to Amsterdam’s maritime legacy. Its metamorphosis into a dynamic urban quarter signifies a new chapter. It is a chapter where innovation culture and community converge.