Open Monument Day: these special buildings you can visit from the inside this weekend

Fifty historical sites across Amsterdam are opening their doors to the public for the fortieth annual Open Monument Day this weekend. The event offers a rare opportunity for visitors to explore interiors that are typically closed, including the Vondelkerk, which is currently undergoing restoration following a fire, and the historic Amstel Hotel. Other notable locations participating include the 17th-century Huis met de Hoofden, the NIOD building on the Herengracht, and the newly renovated Van Gendt Hallen on Oostenburg, which formerly served as a locomotive factory.

Beyond these sites, the weekend program features guided architectural tours, such as a look at the Bijlmer's residential towers and the city's first skyscraper at Victorieplein. Participants can also join cycling tours covering the history of the Bijlmermeer polder or visit a preserved 1920s interior at the former home of architect Harry Elte. With dozens of participating venues across various city districts, the event aims to provide a comprehensive look at the diverse cultural and architectural heritage of Amsterdam.