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Netherlands Maritime Museum in Amsterdam closed longer than expected

The Netherlands Maritime Museum in Amsterdam, which is said to house the world’s largest collection of boats, has been closed for renovation since January, 2007.

Initially it was expected that the museum would re-open in the summer of 2009, but now it appears that the museum will remain closed until the middle of 2010.

Main reason for the delay is the extensive research into the condition of the 2,000 wooden pillars on which the building rests. Most older buildings in Amsterdam are built on a collection of wooden pillars driven into the sandy soil to provide a firm foundation.

Some are surprised the 350+ year-old building is standing anyway. Travel writer Rodney Bolt writes:

Built as an admirality warehouse in 1655, it’s a wonder the building’s still upright: construction workers were bribed with ‘drinkgelt‘ (drinking money) and finished it in an amazing 9 months and 14 days.
– Source: Cardogan Guide Amsterdam, 2002 edition. Most recent Cardogan Guide Amsterdam from Amazon.com | Amazon UK | Amazon.de

The popular museum draws some 200.000 visitors a year.

Anton and Janet Hein
Publisher at DutchAmsterdam | Website |  + posts

Anton and Janet Hein live and work in Amsterdam. We are the publishers of DutchAmsterdam.

Anton was born on a houseboat in the center of Amsterdam, right across from the iconic Westertoren and what later became the Anne Frank House museum. Having lived in nearly every district since then, he knows the city like his own back pocket.

Janet was born in England and raised in Ireland before moving to Amsterdam 42 years ago. Even to date she brings an expat’s perspective to the DutchAmsterdam website.

Category: News |

Last updated Sunday, September 25, 2011 CET (Central European Time)

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