Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), Amsterdam
Back of the Nieuwe Kerk, with shops nestled into the transept.
The 14th-century New Church is the national church of the Netherlands.
The Nieuwe Kerk by night, with swiftly passing tram.
Detail of carvings near the Nieuwe Kerk's entrance.
Interactive satellite map of the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam. For a
larger view, see our Amsterdam Map or Google Earth download.
The Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) in Amsterdam is a 14th century Late Gothic parish church. Located next to the royal palace, the now-Protestant church functions as the national church of the Netherlands, hosting inaugurations and special exhibitions.
History
Begun in the 14th century, the New Church was sponsored by the middle-class merchants of Amsterdam. They tried very hard to outdo the Oude Kerk, which was recognized by the Bishop of Utrecht.
At one point the Oude Kerk boasted a whopping 38 pulpits against the Nieuwe Kerk's 36, but Nieuwe Kerk wins the quality-over-quantity prize for its still-existing pulpit sculpted by Albert Vinckenbrinck, which took him 19 years to complete. Money ran out before the church's spire was completed.
Many of the Nieuwekerk's treasures were removed and its frescoes painted over in 1578 when it became a Protestant church, but some of its original grandeur has since been restored.
What to See
The church boasts a stately arched nave, an elaborately carved altar, a great pipe organ by Jacob van Campen from 1645 that is in regular use for concerts, and several noteworthy stained-glass windows. Look for the carved, gilded ceiling above the choir, which survived a disastrous fire in 1645.
Other notable sights in the Nieuwe Kerk include the unmarked grave of the poet Vondel, the "Dutch Shakespeare," and the elaborate grave of Admiral Michiel de Ruyter, a Dutch naval hero who sailed his fleet up the river Medway in England in the 17th century.
The Nieuwe Kerk has been the National Church since 1815, meaning in part that it hosts inauguration ceremonies of Dutch monarchs. The church also hosts organ concerts and excellent temporary exhibitions, which attract a half-million visitors a year and have ranged from Dutch photography to Buddhist treasures.
Quick Facts
| Location: | Dam (Royal Palace), Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Phone: | 020/628-6909 |
| URL: | www.nieuwekerk.nl |
| Tram: | 1, 2, 4, 5, 9, 13, 14, 16, 17, 24, or 25 to the Dam |
| Hours: | Daily 10am-6pm (Thurs to 10pm during exhibits). Closed Jan-Feb and for private events. |
| Cost: | Varies with exhibit; free when there's no exhibit |
Travel Resources
- Amsterdam Map - our interactive city map plus links to more maps
- Amsterdam Guided Tours - sightseeing tours and day trips
- Amsterdam Hostels - search and book budget lodgings
- Amsterdam Hotel Reviews - unbiased reviews and price comparisons
- Amsterdam Car Rentals - explore Holland with your own wheels
- Amsterdam Travel Forum - tips, answers and advice on Amsterdam
Sources
- Personal visits (outside only, November 2006 and August 2008).
- Fodor's Amsterdam
- Frommer's Amsterdam
