Religion is gradually losing its importance for many people, and the number of people leaving the church throughout Europe has been steadily increasing for years. Not only in Germany are more and more churches standing empty, also in our neighboring countries the historically valuable buildings lead a lonely existence. Also in the Netherlands.
A development that the Dutch did not want to put up with. So innovative concepts for the empty places of worship had to be found. No sooner said than done: there are now six former churches in Amsterdam, which have now become popular places to go again in a different function.
Amsterdam’s churches are being repurposed
One of them is the Bunk Hotel in Amsterdam Noord. The hotel chain, which also has a location in Utrecht, has turned the former church into a popular design hotel. The operators see the whole thing as a place of hospitality and therefore offer free music and art events every month. In our photo series we take you to the design hotel.
But the Bunk is not the only church building in Amsterdam that now serves a different purpose than originally intended. The Ouden Kerk (Old Church) has become the city’s newest art institute. Chorals are no longer sung in the former Catholic church “Our Lady of Perpetual Help”. It is known as the Chassékerk and is a popular cultural center for theater lovers.
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