Kippebruggetje

Slipping through time, let’s journey back to 1923. Here, at the edge of Kattenburg and Wittenburg, the Kippebruggetje gracefully arched over the Kattenburgervaart. Designed by Piet Kramer, this charming footbridge, officially bridge number 270, showcases the distinctive Amsterdamse School style. Kippebruggetje, meaning “chicken bridge,” whispers of a time when such crossings were simple, even humble. Look closely at the blend of brick and natural stone, a hallmark of Kramer’s work. Notice the granite schampstenen, protecting the bridge from passing boats, and the same granite forming the deck beneath your feet. Unlike Kramer’s typical ironwork, Kippebruggetje boasts wooden balustrades, adding a touch of warmth to its sturdy form. Originally, the Kippebruggetje nestled within a circular bridgehead on the Wittenburg side. This bridgehead housed a bathhouse, also designed in the Amsterdamse School style. The Kippebruggetje and the bathhouse stood as a unified architectural statement. In 1947, renovations raised the bridge deck, requiring steps and a ramp on both ends. Sadly, the bathhouse disappeared during the redevelopment of the 1960s. However, the Kippebruggetje survived, a testament to its enduring charm. The area finally saw new construction completed in 1986. The Witte Katbrug, bridge 1914, rose nearby, relieving some of the Kippebruggetje’s traffic. This allowed the Kippebruggetje to be restored to its original, lower elevation. Interestingly, the official opening ceremony, led by Alderman Michael van der Vlis, didn’t happen until 1987, marking a milestone in the urban renewal. The Kippebruggetje holds a unique distinction. Its unofficial, charming name became its official title. The metal nameplate, affixed to a granite deck stone, proudly proclaims “Kippebruggetje.” Other newer bridges on the Eastern Islands also bear animal names, echoing this playful tradition. Think of the Pelikaanbrug (Pelican Bridge) and the Ezelsbrug (Donkey Bridge). The Kippebruggetje stands as a reminder of Amsterdam’s past, a link between islands, and a charming example of the Amsterdamse School style.