Amsterdam

Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the capital and the largest city of The Netherlands with an estimated population of 743,104 inhabitants. Its name has been derived from Amstel dam, pointing to a dam on the river Amstel.

The culture of the city is as diverse as its geography and is characterized for its numerous enchanting attractions including The Rijksmuseum- historic port, De Wallen- red-light district, and its liberal and relaxing coffee shops.

Amsterdam has many canals which have led to the city being called the Venice of the North. During the Dutch Golden Age, the city was the worlds most significant ports. With rapid advancements in trade the city soon became a leading centre for diamonds and business. Amsterdam receives a moderate climate with warm but rarely hot summers and mild winters.

Amsterdam is a cultural enriched country where several campaigns are launched periodically to promote its indigenous culture. During the later part of the 16th century Amsterdams Rederijkerskamer- Chamber of Rhetoric- conducted interesting contests between different Chambers in the reading of drama and poetry.

In 1638 the city got its first theatre operational, presenting Ballet performances initially. In the 18th century French theatre garnered attention and Operas from different countries became popular, including Italian, French and German operas.

One of the major advances in Europe classical music was the Metronome, invented by Dietrich Nikolaus Winkel in 1812 in Amsterdam. At the end of the nineteenth century the Gemeentelijk and Rijksmuseum Museum were established. In 1888 the Concertgebouworkest was built. 20th century brought radio, television and cinema along. Though the studios are in Aalsmeer and Hilversum, Amsterdam yet has a strong influence on their programming.

There are several museums in the city displaying dynamic items and unique collections. Het Rijksmuseum is one of the best attractions for the tourists in Amsterdam. The museum exhibits an exclusive collection of Rembrandt and his pupils work.

The museum also claims to have a largest collection of Rembrandt paintings and drawings in the world. It owns over 2000 paintings, drawings and sculptures. In addition to Rembrandt work, Rijksmuseum also has a large weapon room where you can witness a small ship on display.

Another memorial museum that is only of its kind is Van Gogh museum. Van Gogh lived for a short span of time in Amsterdam, thus the museum is dedicated to his early work only. The Performance Wing was another addition added to the world known Van Gogh museum. Its state-of-the-art architecture led the way for a complete contemporary renovation of Het Museumplein.

Its lot is given a shape of oval; much like an egg, but the building itself covers only half of that. Its other half is a lower courtyard where art is displayed and can be viewed from outside. The Anne Frank House is another popular tourist attraction and is dedicated to Anne Frank.

Amsterdam is also characterized for its top-class Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and symphony orchestra. Both these buildings are located in Het Museumplein- the Museum Square. The square is an ideal location for tourists for its easily accessible and has a large pond for winter ice-skating.

People fly to Amsterdam for its status as a liberal city. Its tranquil charm is heightened by enchanting canals, the reputation of museums and trendy, narrow fronted merchants houses.

The liberal reputation of the city is not only embodied in the pleasing attitudes of its residents but it is also physically embodied in the layout of the city like De Wallen area. Amsterdams red-light district is located in the centre of the city where many cannabis-selling coffeeshops can be found.

The city has developed itself into a World fashion capital. World-class fashion brands like Gsus, G-star, 10 feet, BlueBlood, and Warmenhoven & Venderbos are headquartered in the city.

Therere also main outlets of big fashion designers like Frans Molenaar, Mart Visser Viktor & Rolf and Marlies Dekkers. Also, model agencies like Touche models, Tony Jones and Elite Models have opened their offices in Amsterdam. Supermodels like Kim Noorda, Yfke Sturm and Doutzen Kroes began their career in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam has made a mark in the area of sports as well. In 1928, the town hosted the IXth Olympiad games. Later, the Olympic Stadium was restored for various sporting and cultural events. Amsterdam is the hometown of the Eredivisie football club Ajax and the ice hockey team Amstel Tijgers. It also organizes skateboard competitions annually.