Perhaps you’ve wondered about the name of this bridge. This is the M.S. Vaz Diasbrug. It spans the Nieuwe Herengracht. The M.S. Vaz Diasbrug connects the Jonas Daniël Meijerplein with the Weesperstraat.
The M.S. Vaz Diasbrug is also known as Brug 238. Some locals call it the Weesperstraatbrug. This bascule bridge has quite a story.
The M.S. Vaz Diasbrug is named after Mozes Salomon Vaz Dias. He was born in Amsterdam in 1881. Vaz Dias founded the Persbureau M.S. Vaz Dias. This press agency was the first of its kind in Europe. It even transmitted news via radiotelephony. This included a live football match broadcast.
In 1935, his agency merged into the Algemeen Nederlands Persbureau ANP. Vaz Dias was also active in the Portuguese Israelite community. He even became a Knight in the Order of Orange Nassau in 1929. Mozes Salomon Vaz Dias died in 1963.
The current M.S. Vaz Diasbrug dates back to 1964. Joop den Uyl opened it. He was the alderman for Public Works. He walked across the bridge with others. The bridge was then officially named after Vaz Dias.
The M.S. Vaz Diasbrug has seen many changes. Before this bridge, there were others. In 1904, an iron drawbridge replaced a double bascule bridge. The Weesperstraat was narrower then. A tram even ran over the bridge.
In 1931, plans arose to widen Weesperstraat. A new bridge became necessary. World War II delayed the project. In 1953, a new drawbridge was built. Piet Kramer’s bureau designed it.
The Weesperstraat underwent major changes in 1961. The M.S. Vaz Diasbrug was included. The new bridge opened in 1964. It was much wider. The tram never returned. Cars now dominate the M.S. Vaz Diasbrug.
Look closely at the M.S. Vaz Diasbrug. Herman van der Heide designed the railings. He also created the unique nameplate. Herman van der Heide also created the Monument Vaz Dias.
Underneath the bridge, find art too. Kristiaan Kanstadt’s poem Wibautotisme is displayed. It protests the Wibautstraat’s transformation into a highway. The poem consists of twelve panels.
The M.S. Vaz Diasbrug is more than just a crossing. It’s a tribute to a pioneer. It is a landmark that carries stories of Amsterdam’s past. The M.S. Vaz Diasbrug shows Amsterdam’s growth and artistic spirit.