De Bazel

Did De Bazel, this imposing fortress on Vijzelstraat, always look so formidable? De Bazel stands as a testament to Dutch architectural ingenuity. It’s a behemoth, a ten-story giant spanning an entire block. This is De Bazel, named after its architect, Karel de Bazel. De Bazel’s striped facade, alternating red and sand-colored brick, rises from a granite base, culminating in a ziggurat-style top. Statues guard the entrance and corners, adding to its monumental presence. De Bazel wasn’t always the home of Amsterdam’s public record office. It was built between 1919 and 1926 as the headquarters for the Nederlandsche Handel-Maatschappij (NHM). This trading society, a successor to the Dutch East India Company, thrived on colonial goods. The building’s imposing exterior hides a surprisingly light and airy interior. Two high light-courts illuminate the white walls, marble staircases, and mosaic tile floors. De Bazel incorporated modern amenities for the 1920s. These included central heating, air conditioning, and even “Do Not Disturb” lights for the directors’ rooms. The basement houses the Treasury, a magnificent space reminiscent of both Gringotts and an Egyptian throne room. The second floor holds the Directors’ Rooms, including the elegant Koningszaal (King’s Chamber). This is where Dutch royalty handled their financial affairs. A stark contrast exists within De Bazel: the Italian Room. The NHM insisted on transplanting this rococo room from their previous location, much to De Bazel’s dismay. Its ornate style clashed with his vision, and its height requirements forced him to compromise the building’s exterior symmetry. Today, the Italian Room, with its modern glass table, serves as a conference room. De Bazel is more than a monument. It’s a working building, hosting events and conferences.