Hear that rumble? It is not just the city waking up. It is the echoes of Amsterdam’s history resonating right here at Weesperplein.
Weesperplein sits nestled between the Singelgracht and the Nieuwe Achtergracht. This square links Weesperstraat to Rhijnspoorplein. It forms part of Amsterdam’s s112 route. This route connects Gooiseweg to the IJtunnel.
Let’s step back to the 17th century. The Weesperplein was born from Amsterdam’s fourth expansion between 1662 and 1664. The Weesperpoort’s construction birthed this square. Weesperplein, like Haarlemmerplein and Leidseplein, functioned as a wagon square. Visitors parked their carts here before entering the city.
Now turn your gaze to the west side. There stands the Diamantbeurs. Its foundation stone was laid in 1910. Jewish Amsterdammers significantly contributed to the diamond industry. Guild membership was unnecessary. The Diamond Exchange became a vital hub for them. Initially, diamond trading occurred in cafés near Rembrandtplein. The trade’s growth necessitated a dedicated exchange building. Gerrit van Arkel designed this exchange. It opened in 1911. The building showcases a blend of styles including Jugendstil elements.
Nearby, on the corner of Sarphatistraat stands Weesperstaete. Completed in 1971, it earned the nickname “Doodskist” or Coffin. For years, it housed the University of Amsterdam’s psychological laboratory. Today, it is home to the Municipality of Amsterdam’s Development Company.
Now, consider the east side of Weesperplein. On the corner of Nieuwe Achtergracht stands the head office of Amsterdam’s GG&GD. This building was once the Weesperpleinziekenhuis. It opened in 1937 as the De Joodsche Invalide nursing home. The architects Jan Frederik Staal and Harry Elte designed it. They employed a style popular in Amsterdam known as the Amsterdam School. Before the Joodse Invalide, “Concordia” stood here. It offered halls for parties.
Let’s rewind further. From 1904 to 1912, the Weesperpleinsynagoge stood at number 5. It belonged to the Ahawas Achiem association. Before that, until 1919, Stoombrouwerij ‘t Haantje occupied various plots around Weesperplein.
Also look to the east side on the corner of Valckenierstraat. Here stands the first fire station built in 1874. It served until 1908.
South of Weesperplein once stood the Weesperpoort. After its demolition, the Weesperpoortstation was built in 1843. It stood south of the Singelgracht. From 1843 to 1939, trains to Utrecht departed from here. The construction of metro station Weesperplein began in 1970. It lies beneath the Weesperplein and Rhijnspoorplein.
Pause here to remember the Monument van Joodse Erkentelijkheid. Jobs Wertheim designed it in 1947. It stood on the square’s west side from 1950. In 1968, it moved to Weesperstraat. But it returned to the square in 2021. In 2022, Gabriel Lester’s artwork Peel Plaza joined it near the Diamantbeurs.
Don’t miss the Dr. Meijer de Hondbrug. It spans the Nieuwe Achtergracht. Here, you will discover sculptures by Hildo Krop. These date back to 1923 and 1924. Look closely for the Havik en vissen or Hawk and fish.
Today, trams 1, 7, and 19 stop at Weesperplein on Sarphatistraat. Metro lines 51, 53, and 54 also serve Metrostation Weesperplein.
Weesperplein, a place of transformation, trade, and transport, continues to evolve. It stands as a testament to Amsterdam’s dynamic spirit. It is a reminder of the city’s rich history.