History

The first Dutch stock exchange was established in 1602 by the Dutch East India Company (VOC) to finance its activities through shares. The Amsterdam city council commissioned Hendrick de Keyser to design a building in 1611, where VOC shares and later those of the West India Company were traded. This is considered the world’s first stock exchange. The building on the Rokin was demolished in 1835 due to subsidence and replaced by the Zocher Stock Exchange.

The Zocher-designed exchange at the Damrak featured a rectangular layout with an open courtyard and a southern entrance, similar to Hendrick de Keyser’s design. Its nearly windowless facade, inspired by Roman architecture, earned it the nickname “Mausoleum.” The building was a failure, prompting merchants and the Chamber of Commerce to demand a new exchange building. In 1884, an architecture competition was held, but none of the designs were executed. The building was ultimately demolished in 1903 when the Beurs van Berlage opened.

At the end of the 19th century, Amsterdam was prosperous, and its population was growing. In 1896, the city council decided to construct a new exchange, designed by Hendrik Petrus Berlage. His striking design included a clock tower featuring the famous “Beurs Bell.” A staunch socialist, Berlage believed the stock trade wouldn’t last long and envisioned the building as a future community center or “people’s palace.” The Beurs van Berlage was officially opened by Queen Wilhelmina in 1903.

Berlage envisioned the Beurs as a stock exchange that would become obsolete, transforming into a people’s palace. Over a century later, history unfolded differently than he had anticipated. However, Berlage’s greatest wish for the Beurs was ultimately fulfilled. After a challenging period, a decision was made in 2008 to develop the building into Amsterdam’s premier meeting place for Europe and the world. In the spirit of its designer, the Beurs van Berlage warmly welcomes everyone today.