Facade stone from the first merchants’ exchange
In the Keurzaal, on the north side of the building overlooking Amsterdam Central Station, a remarkable stone hangs on the left-hand wall. This is the original facade stone from the very first merchants’ exchange: the Beurs by Hendrick de Keyser, the forerunner of the stock exchange. De Keyser built the exchange between 1608 and 1611, atop a covered canal at the southern end of Dam Square. The building was demolished in 1837 due to subsidence, but the facade stone was fortunately preserved.
Original paint
In the Rode kamer and the Ontvangkamer of the Beurs van Berlage, a section of the original wall has been preserved and deliberately left unpainted. We’ve placed these behind plexiglass to protect them and to give visitors a glimpse of the original paint Berlage used in 1903. This way, we show how the current colours throughout the Beurs still closely reflect Berlage’s original palette.
Ceres, goddess of agriculture
Well hidden in an office on the first floor above the Grain Exchange Hall is a beautiful sandstone relief by Joseph Mendes da Costa, depicting Ceres – the Roman goddess of agriculture. This room was originally used by the board of the Grain Trade Commission. The entire space pays tribute to the grain trade: the wallpaper features a motif of wheat stalks, and inside a cabinet, you’ll spot a hare and some cats nestled among the grain.
The clock
At the top of the Beurs van Berlage tower shine two clocks, each bearing a message visible from the street: Beidt uw tijd (“Bide your time”) and Duur uw uur (“Cherish your hour”). What you can’t see from below is the signature of their makers: Joost Thooft & Labouchere – better known as Royal Delft. Hidden details like these are small surprises for the lucky few who get to see the top… usually thanks to a scaffold.
