Amsterdam, Rembrandtplein
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The square has its origins in the defensive walls constructed in
the Middle Ages to protect the city. The site of Rembrandtplein held a
Regulierspoort or gateway into the city. By 1655, the city had
expanded beyond this area and it began to attract visiting farmers who
brought their butter, dairy and poultry products to sell in the city
and it became known as Botermarkt or butter market. By 1668, the
Regulierspoort housed a Waaggebouw or weigh house. Each autumn, the
square hosted a fair and the farmers' stalls were replaced by dance
orchestras and circus tents. The market continued under this name
until 1876 when a statue of Rembrandt by sculptor Louis Royer was
moved from the perimeter to the centre of the square and it was
renamed Rembrandtplein.
By the early twentieth century, the square developed into a centre for nightlife drawing artists, young people and laborers. To serve these visitors, several hotels, cafés and entertainment venues opened in the adjoining streets. The area continues to be popular with residents and tourists. |
As part of the celebration of the artist's 400th birthday in 2006, a bronze-cast representation of his most famous painting, The Night Watch, by Russian artists Mikhail Dronov and Alexander Taratynov was displayed around the Royer work. This bronze-cast representation of the famous painting was on display for three-years before traveling to New York City, Moscow and Oranienbaum, Russia. In 2012, the bronze Night Watch sculptures returned to the redesigned square where they serve as a magnet for visitors. In January 2013, the Rembrandtplein Entrepreneurs Foundation began a fundraiser to keep the sculptures in the square throughout the year. |
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Rembrandt Square, sculpture representation of Rembrandt's painting Night Watch and Rembrandt Statue
Sept 2016, Photo 459 |
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Rembrandt Square, sculpture representation of Rembrandt's painting Night Watch and Rembrandt Statue
Sept 2016, Photo k17 |
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Rembrandtplein, Rembrandt Sculpture Sept 2016, Photo k11 |
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Rembrandt Square, Rembrandt Statue Sculpted by sculptor Louis Royer Sept 2016, Photo 460 |
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Rembrandt Square, sculpture representation of Rembrandt's painting Night Watch and Rembrandt Statue Sept 2016, Photo 461 |
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Rembrandt Square, sculpture representation of Rembrandt's painting Night Watch
Sept 2016, Photo 462 |
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Rembrandt Square, Rembrandt Statue
Sept 2016, Photo 463 |
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Rembrandt Square, sculpture representation of Rembrandt's painting Night Watch
Sept 2016, Photo 464 |
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