On September 12 and 13, Open Monument Day celebrates its 40th edition. In Amsterdam, 50 locations will open their doors to the public for free this weekend. In addition to guided tours and walking tours, a program featuring music and stargazing on a historic rooftop is planned for Saturday evening
Forty years of heritage: What exactly is Open Monument Day?
What began as a French experiment to engage citizens in culture has grown in the Netherlands into one of the biggest cultural events of the year. Since the first edition in 1987, thousands of buildings have opened their doors for free to increase support for historic preservation.
During this anniversary edition, the national program is centered around the theme “Resilient Heritage,” through which the organization emphasizes the historical value of monuments in times of change.
Free tours: Here’s what to see in the capital
With fifty monuments open to the public, the Amsterdam program offers a rare glimpse behind closed doors. Visitors can take a free look inside a variety of locations, from former bank buildings to the Huis met de Hoofden, where spoken-word poets are performing. The renovated industrial halls of the Van Gendt Hallen are also open to the public this weekend.
In addition to individual visits, there are various routes and guided tours through the city, including stops at iconic construction projects in Southeast Amsterdam. Saturday concludes with an evening program at Felix Meritis, where visitors can enjoy music, film, and astronomy on the rooftop.
You can find the full program and all opening hours on the official Open Monument Day website.
