On Prins Hendrikkade, Scheepvaarthuis is a former shipping-company headquarters and one of the earliest complete buildings in the Amsterdam School style. Its sculpted stonework, wrought iron and maritime motifs make the exterior worth a close look. Carvings and reliefs draw on the Netherlands’ shipping history, while the building’s expressive forms include towers and spires. It now houses Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam, so access to the interior may depend on hotel arrangements. Walk around the outside for details, or join a guided tour to learn more about the building.
A building for Amsterdam’s shipping companies
Scheepvaarthuis was built as a shared office for six Amsterdam shipping companies involved in global trade. Its position on Prins Hendrikkade places it near the old harbour, at the western end of Waalseiland. The site is also associated with the start of Cornelis Houtman’s first voyage to the East Indies in 1595.
Construction took place in two stages. The first part was completed between 1913 and 1916; a second section followed from 1926 to 1928. The building later became Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam, giving its former offices a new use while retaining its historic exterior.
Amsterdam School details inside and out
The building is regarded as the first complete example of the Amsterdam School, an architectural movement known for expressive forms and elaborate ornament. The design is credited to Johan Melchior van der Mey, with Michel de Klerk and Piet Kramer also involved. Towers and spires rise above the richly decorated façade, while detailed stonework and wrought iron reward a slower walk around the building.
Maritime imagery connects the decoration to the companies that once worked here. Look for carvings and relief sculptures on the exterior, and aquatic motifs such as anchors, waves, dolphins and seahorses in the interior artwork. The building’s history is tied to Dutch shipping and colonial trade, including routes to the East Indies, Africa and the Americas.
The interior is part of a working hotel. If you want to see beyond the public exterior, check whether a guided tour or other access is available before visiting.
Perguntas frequentes
What is Scheepvaarthuis?
It is a former shared headquarters for six Amsterdam shipping companies and an important example of Amsterdam School architecture. The building now houses Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam.
What should I look for at Scheepvaarthuis?
Notice the sculpted stone façade, wrought iron, towers and spires. Maritime details include carvings and reliefs, with aquatic motifs also present in the interior artwork.
Can you go inside Scheepvaarthuis?
The building houses a hotel, so interior access may depend on hotel arrangements. Check whether a guided tour or other access is available before you go.
