De Inktpot
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On your right, you will see an impressive building. Take a step back by walking towards the lawn. Then, you will be able to appreciate the building fully.
This is the former headquarters of the Dutch Railways. It is also commonly called De Inktpot (The Inkwell). And you can see why: the square shape containing a smaller square reminds us of an old-fashioned inkwell with a cap.
It took less than three years to build De Inkpot, from 1918 to 1921. Before that, the Dutch Railways used the gigantic amount of 22 million bricks. That's about thirteen hundred filled lorries. At the time, the office was also the largest brick building in the Netherlands. Its interior is also very impressive, consisting of monumental staircases, spacious meeting rooms and art deco clocks - all made of oak. To ensure that there was a sufficient supply of wood, the Dutch Railways even bought its own forest in Limburg. This complete oak forest is now incorporated into the interior of De Inkpot.
Nowadays, De Inktpot is also a place for contemporary art and culture. You have probably already noticed a separate, round object sitting at the left top corner of De Inktpot. This flying saucer has been there since the turn of the century. The UFO was part of the art manifestation “Panaroma 2000”. This consisted of various artefacts scattered throughout the city that could only be seen from a distance. This flying saucer is the only one of these works of art remaining.
Every summer, the cultural festival “Parade” takes place on the green in front of De Inktpot. This means a buzzing crowd during the two fortnight. Would you like to see what this festival looks like? View the video by selecting ‘video’ on the menu.
This is the former headquarters of the Dutch Railways. It is also commonly called De Inktpot (The Inkwell). And you can see why: the square shape containing a smaller square reminds us of an old-fashioned inkwell with a cap.
It took less than three years to build De Inkpot, from 1918 to 1921. Before that, the Dutch Railways used the gigantic amount of 22 million bricks. That's about thirteen hundred filled lorries. At the time, the office was also the largest brick building in the Netherlands. Its interior is also very impressive, consisting of monumental staircases, spacious meeting rooms and art deco clocks - all made of oak. To ensure that there was a sufficient supply of wood, the Dutch Railways even bought its own forest in Limburg. This complete oak forest is now incorporated into the interior of De Inkpot.
Nowadays, De Inktpot is also a place for contemporary art and culture. You have probably already noticed a separate, round object sitting at the left top corner of De Inktpot. This flying saucer has been there since the turn of the century. The UFO was part of the art manifestation “Panaroma 2000”. This consisted of various artefacts scattered throughout the city that could only be seen from a distance. This flying saucer is the only one of these works of art remaining.
Every summer, the cultural festival “Parade” takes place on the green in front of De Inktpot. This means a buzzing crowd during the two fortnight. Would you like to see what this festival looks like? View the video by selecting ‘video’ on the menu.
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