Across the street from the Apollohal stands the Amsterdam Memorial to the Canadian Liberators. It’s a powerful symbol of gratitude, a testament to the sacrifices made by Canadian troops during World War II. The Amsterdam Memorial to the Canadian Liberators, erected in 1980, features a striking metal liberation pennant. The inscription reads, “Amsterdam Thanks Their Canadians. May ’45 – May ’80”. This memorial commemorates the liberation of Amsterdam and the Netherlands by Canadian forces in May 1945. It serves as a lasting reminder of the “Hunger Winter” of 1944-45, a harrowing period when the Dutch people faced severe food shortages and thousands perished from starvation and cold. The Canadians played a crucial role in bringing relief, delivering vital food and supplies to the desperate population. Their efforts, alongside those of other Allied forces, brought an end to the Nazi occupation and ushered in the “Sweetest Spring”. The Amsterdam Memorial to the Canadian Liberators is more than just a monument. It represents the enduring bond between Amsterdam and Canada, a bond forged through shared hardship and the fight for freedom.
Royal Tropical Institute
From a colonial museum’s humble start in Haarlem in 1864, the Royal Tropical Institute blossomed in Amsterdam. Its journey began