Where is Amsterdam City Hall?

The Royal Palace of Amsterdam, on the west side of Dam Square in the centre of Amsterdam, served as a city hall during the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century. The building became the royal palace of King Louis Napoleon and later of the Dutch Royal House.

The Prinsenhof

In 1808, after King Louis Napoleon had taken the City Hall into use as a Palace on the Dam, the city council moved to the Prinsenhof on Oudezijds Voorburgwal, dating from 1661. In 1926 an extension was realized in the style of the Amsterdam School, including a new Council Chamber. This remained the town hall until 1988. The building was then taken into use as Sofitel The Grand Amsterdam.

Current modern City Hall

Currently, city hall is located at Amstel 1. This strategic location offers a view of the curve of the Amstel River. The locals refer to it as Gemeente Amsterdam Stadsloket meaning, the Municipality of Amsterdam City Counter Centre. The hall was first opened to the public in 1988.

The Stopera

The Stadhuis-Muziektheater complex referred to as Stopera houses the City Hall and the renowned National Opera and Ballet Theatre. Construction of the Stopera started in 1982 and was completed in 1986. The Stopera is a national historic landmark. The large curved shaped building was designed by Cees Dam and Wilhelm Holzberger from Vienna. Its modern glass facade provides a beautiful view of the city and the Amstel River.

The municipality provides a variety of administrative services. Some services offered include the application of driving licenses, passport applications, and registration of birth certificates. In charge of the council is the mayor. The council comprises 45 members responsible for the running of the city. If you move to Amsterdam, you are required to register as a resident. Government services are offered from Monday through to Friday from 8 am to 8 pm.