Paard van Noord

In 1969, a giant arrived in Amsterdam-Noord. This wasn’t a mythical creature, but a 48-meter high crane, destined for the Van Baarsen concrete factory. The Paard van Noord, as it became affectionately known, dominated the skyline along the Zijkanaal I. The workers, witnessing its tireless efforts in building Amsterdam-Noord, bestowed upon it this nickname – “The Horse of the North”. The Paard van Noord was no ordinary horse. This metal steed carried sand and gravel, the very building blocks of the burgeoning northern districts. Originally built between 1956 and 1959 by P.M. Duyvis in Koog aan de Zaan for a concrete factory in Velzen, the crane’s first job was transferring coal. It wasn’t until its arrival in Noord that it took on its role in supplying materials for the construction of neighborhoods like Banne Buiksloot, Molenwijk, and Nieuwendam-Noord. The Paard van Noord stood as a silent witness to the transformation of the area, a testament to the industrial heart of Amsterdam-Noord. In 2008, the gemeente purchased the crane and subsequently dismantled it. It seemed the Paard’s work was done, its story finished. But the community had other plans. Author Bas Kok, recognizing the crane’s historical significance, rallied residents. In 2014, the Vereniging Paard van Noord was formed, dedicated to resurrecting this icon of industrial heritage. With support from the Van Baarsen family and even P.M. Duyvis, the project gained momentum. The city finally agreed, contributing vital funds, and in December 2018, the Paard van Noord was officially reopened. It stands tall once more, a proud symbol of Amsterdam-Noord’s past and a vibrant meeting place for its future, overlooking the new De Bongerd neighborhood built on the former factory site. The Paard van Noord reminds us that even in a constantly evolving city, the echoes of the past can be preserved and celebrated.