“Geoctroyeerde West-Indische Compagnie.” That’s quite a mouthful. Yet it’s right there etched into the façade of the West-Indisch Pakhuis. This translates to “Chartered West India Company”. We are standing before a silent witness to Amsterdam’s influential past.
The West-Indisch Pakhuis dates back to 1642. It stands where the Oudeschans flows into the IJ. This building was once owned by the West India Company or WIC.
Originally, the West-Indisch Pakhuis served as a storage for the WIC’s trade goods. The ground floor held animal hides. These hides came from trading posts like Nieuw-Amsterdam, now New York. Imagine the bustle. Ships arriving laden with goods. Workers unloading and storing valuable commodities.
Between 1647 and 1674, the West-Indisch Pakhuis became the WIC headquarters. From here, commanders managed all trade activities. This included gold, sugar, and sadly, slaves. The West-Indisch Pakhuis was also responsible for Nieuw-Amsterdam’s governance until 1664. That year, the English seized the settlement and renamed it New York.
Look closely at the building’s design. Many believe Pieter de Keyser designed the West-Indisch Pakhuis. Notice the red-brown bricks alternating with stone. The facade facing ‘s-Gravenhekje is divided into three parts. Two high attic gables surround a triangular fronton. The monogram “GWC” is prominently displayed. These initials clearly identify the building with the Geoctroyeerde West-Indische Compagnie.
The West-Indisch Pakhuis stored more than hides. The WIC also traded sugar, gold, and enslaved people. Beyond storage, the building housed offices and archives. Today, the West-Indisch Pakhuis serves a different purpose. It provides office space for organizations focused on development cooperation. Some spaces are also used for events. The building’s transformation reflects a shift in values. From trade and colonial administration to international development.
The West-Indisch Pakhuis stands as a reminder of Amsterdam’s complex history. Its walls have witnessed both prosperity and exploitation. It connects us to a time when Amsterdam was a global trade hub. A hub whose activities had far-reaching consequences. As we move on, remember the stories embedded in these bricks. Remember the legacy of the West-Indisch Pakhuis.