Het Scheepvaart Huis
Pre Map Fair Guided Tour in the Scheepvaart Huis
Friday 6 September 2024 17.00 - 17.45
Join the guided tour in Het Scheepvaart Huis, a jewel of the Amsterdam School. The fee is 22 euros and is limited to 20 pp.
Reserve now.History of het Scheepvaart Huis (Grand Hotel Amrâth)
In the early 20th century, six shipping companies joined forces to build a shared head office, from where they could sell tickets for voyages by sea to the Dutch East Indies, Africa and other destinations. Prins Hendrikkade was the perfect location as it was close to Oostelijke Handelskade, the quay from which the trading ships docked and departed. Belief in shipping was sky-high at the time since controlling the seas meant controlling trade. The envisaged building was required to exude splendor and strength.
In 1912, architect Van der Meij was appointed to design this symbolic structure.
Amsterdam School
Van der Meij draws inspiration from the Art Nouveau movement and gives it a distinctly Dutch twist. Expressive dynamism, lavish ornamentation, and colorful embellishments characterize this style, later known as the Amsterdam School. Van der Meij invites colleagues to work on the project, turning it into a 'Gesamtkunstwerk', or total work of art. The team of young artists applied maritime motifs liberally, even in the smallest details. Waves, sea creatures and ships appear almost everywhere: not only in stained-glass windows, sculpture work and marble but also in furniture and fittings such as carpets, chairs and wallpaper.It took three years to complete the first phase of the Scheepvaarthuis (Dutch for ‘House of Shipping’).
Shipping companies
By 1916 the six shipping companies were operating from the prestigious palace they so desired as their head office. Travelers could come here to book their voyage in suitably stylish surroundings. The Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and Africa were the most popular destinations, but ships also sailed from Java to New York, China, Japan and South America.
Today the booking counters are a reminder of how tickets were sold. Money from the sales was stored in a massive cast-iron walk-in safe in the basement.
In 2003, a large renovation started, and at last, in June 2007, The Grand Hotel Amrâth opened its doors.
Guests marveled at discovering authentic and historical features and wrote raving reviews. As a result, the hotel won numerous prizes.
No wonder the Grand Hotel Amrâth is "A world of luxury and art".
Book now for the pre-Map Fair Guided Tour on Saturday, 6 September, 17.00 - 17.45.
The Pre-Map Fair Cocktail reception with Canal Tour on a classic Salon boat will depart in front of the Scheepvaart Huis/Amrâth at 18.00
Hotel reservation during the map fair.
We recommend booking early. September is a busy month for Amsterdam and hotel rooms are cheaper when you book early. When you like architecture and historic hotels, we recommend the Grand Hotel Amrâth - a world example of the Amsterdam School architecture.
The Amrâth is a 15-minute walk to the Maritime Museum. Importantly, this hotel provides its own secure parking garage with valet parking.
Rooms: euros 285.00 and up.
The Amrâth Hotel
Prins Hendrikkade 108, 1011 AK Amsterdam The Grand Hotel Amrâth is located in the former Shipping House, a decorated monument and an example of the Amsterdam School architecture.
The Amrâth is a 15-minute walk to the Maritime Museum.
Importantly, this hotel provides its own secure parking garage with valet parking.
Rooms: euros 285.00 and up.
Cocktail Reception & Canal tour
The pre-map fair cocktail reception and Canal tour will depart in front of the Amrath Hotel, Prins Hendrikkade 108, 1011 AK Amsterdam.
A one-and-a-half hour cruise of the Amsterdam canals with other map enthusiasts, drinks and light snacks.
Limited to 50 guests on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Euros 45.00pp