Theatre of Amsterdam

On this spot the first theatre of Amsterdam was built and opened in 1638. The cityarchitect, Jacob van Campen, designed a plain, stone building, commissioned by the Burgerweeshuis and the Oudemannenhuis, as the interest in theatre grew in the city. The theatre opened it’s doors with the premiere of the play ‘Gijsbrecht van Aemstel’. In 1665 it became clear that the original building was to small and a big rebuild took place. De theatre grew twice in size, had all the modern techniques and had a beautiful decor. The glorious years of the Amsterdam Theatre came to an abrupt end in 1772.