Originally it served as a town hall but Louis Napoleon turned it into a royal residence. It is now one of four in the Netherlands used by the Dutch Queen Beatrix. It is currently open to the public and the main exhibit is about Dutch Classicism - a style of architecture formed in the 17th century based on the designs and theories of the Italian architects Andrea Palladio and Vincenzo Scamozzi.
Scamozzi wrote a manual, L'Idea della Architettura Universale, on the proportions and forms of classical architecture and how they might be adapted in more contemporary terms. In 1640 it was translated into Dutch. Since most Dutch architects had never travelled to Italy to see the ancient buildings that best personify classical architecture, they relied on books to gain the knowledge essential to creating their designs.
Constantijn Huygens, a Dutch diplomat, was largely responsible for the rise of Dutch classicism. He had visited Italy and England many times and had therefore seen the ancient buildings and met architects who were already adapting classical elements. He promoted Scamozzian classicism in the Netherlands until it was officially adopted by the court and in turn became the standard for all other prestigious civic buildings. The Royal Palace is "the most eloquent expression of [Scamozzi's] ideal of harmony."
I found it to be particularly harmonious indeed. The exterior is being restored and hidden behind scaffolding. Inside only one floor was open for public viewing but it consisted of a dozen or so rooms with various functions. All these rooms surrounded a large center atrium with marble floors and walls, full of natural light, and sculptures of figures from Greek mythology. The decor was elegant but not over done. And I greatly appreciated the classical elements throughout.
Please note the SPQA at the top.
Most of the rooms were decorated with warm hues and this blue room was my favorite.
Sail Amsterdam
Every five years since 1975 tall ships from all over the world come to Amsterdam's eastern harbor for a few days of tours, fireworks, and maritime mayhem. On Thursday of last week my host mom mentioned that while at work she was able to see the tall ships coming into the city for the event. I often check the internet to see what sort of events are going on in Amsterdam each weekend and I had in mind that I would at least see the ships so I could tell my dad, a boating man at heart. I only walked a quarter of the loop until I found a nice open spot to sit and watch the large ships with masts and sails as well as the canal boats full of people, beer cans in hand and sunglasses pushed back. It was nice to being sitting still amongst so much movement. I'm a water girl at heart. I love being near bodies of water so it was a perfect ending to another lovely day in Amsterdam.
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