The Story of Bistro Berlage
Discover the magic of historic Bistro Berlage, nestled in what was once the bustling main entrance of the Goods Exchange of the Beurs van Berlage complex. A place where traders once gathered, hung their coats, and stepped through the stately doors into the Grote Zaal, driven by the desire for trade and prosperity. The building, designed by the visionary Berlage, was a symbol of openness and accessibility, with a broad and inviting square as a front yard for anyone wishing to enter the trading heart of Amsterdam.
AWAKEN WITH THE STOCK EXCHANGE BELL
Every morning, five minutes before nine, the historic stock exchange bell rings over Beursplein – a tradition still alive today. It is a call that once gathered traders, guiding them past the impressive tile tableaus by Jan Toorop, inviting them to start the day. These tableaus, a vivid narrative of past, present, and future through the eyes of socialism, are still to be admired, offering a timeless message of reflection and inspiration.
TOOROP'S TILE TABLEAUS
The vestibule of the Beurs van Berlage houses a unique treasure: three symbolic tile tableaus by Jan Toorop. They challenge the visitor with visions of a possible future and reflect on the cycles of time and society. These artworks, after a careful renovation found a new home, remain a fascinating spectacle of impressionism, symbolism to pointillism.
THE STORY IN STONE
The exterior of the Beurs van Berlage speaks volumes with its bas-reliefs and keystones, each telling part of the social story. The cynical welcome word above the arches invites traders and visitors to look beyond trade alone, and the simple tools symbolize fundamental human needs. These elements form a silent witness to the beliefs and ambitions of an era.
THE STAINED GLASS WINDOW:
Above the entrance of Bistro Berlage shines a stained glass window by Antoon Derkinderen, a work of art that once illuminated the Chamber of Commerce and the municipal government of Amsterdam. With 21 representations ranging from the planets and the zodiac to the virtues of Amsterdam, the window offers a glimpse into the cosmic and cultural, the everyday and the exceptional of Amsterdam. Today, this beautiful space serves as a stage for various events, each with a story as colorful as the window itself.
