History of Amsterdam in Timeline

Amsterdam, the capital and largest city of the Netherlands, boasts a population of over 933,000 within the city and significantly more in its surrounding areas. Situated in North Holland, it's renowned for its extensive canal system, earning it the nickname "Venice of the North." These canals are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting their historical and cultural significance.

1900: Religious Demographics

In 1900, Amsterdam was predominantly Christian, with about 70% of the city's population adhering to the faith. The Dutch Reformed Church was the largest denomination, with approximately 45% of residents, while Catholics made up 25%.

1906: Joseph Conrad description of Amsterdam

In 1906, Joseph Conrad provided a brief description of Amsterdam as seen from the seaside, in his book, The Mirror of the Sea.

The Mirror of the Sea

Check it on Amazon

1916: Flood

In 1916, a flood affected the municipalities north of Amsterdam.

1920: Amsterdam assisted in hosting the Summer Olympics

In 1920, Amsterdam assisted Antwerp, Belgium, in hosting some of the sailing events for the Summer Olympics at Buiten IJ.

January 1921: Municipalities annexed to the city

On January 1921, Durgerdam, Holysloot, Zunderdorp, and Schellingwoude were annexed to Amsterdam after requesting to be.

1924: International Eucharistic Congress in Amsterdam

In 1924, the Catholic Church hosted the International Eucharistic Congress in Amsterdam, with numerous Catholic prelates visiting the city.

1928: Amsterdam hosted the Summer Olympics

In 1928, Amsterdam hosted the Summer Olympics.

1932: Amsterdam Intended as Highway Hub

In 1932, Amsterdam was intended as the hub of the Netherlands highway system.

May 1940: Nazi Germany invades the Netherlands

On 10 May 1940, Nazi Germany invaded the Netherlands and took control of the country.

February 1941: Amsterdam Jews arrested and sent to Mauthausen concentration camp

On 22 February 1941, in response to the death of a Dutch fascist collaborator, Heinrich Himmler ordered reprisals leading to the arrest of 427 Amsterdam Jews who were sent to Mauthausen concentration camp.

May 1943: First Wave of Arrests and Deportation

On 26 May 1943, the first main wave of arrests, culminating in deportation, occurred in Amsterdam's Jewish Quarter by the SS and German police.

June 1943: Second Wave of Arrests and Deportation

On 20 June 1943, a second main wave of arrests, culminating in deportation, occurred in Amsterdam's Jewish Quarter by the SS and German police.

1944: Anne Frank's hiding place is betrayed

In August 1944, Anne Frank and her family were betrayed, their safe hiding place was discovered, and they were subsequently sent to Westerbork.

May 1945: Amsterdam liberated by Canadian forces

On 5 May 1945, Amsterdam was liberated by Canadian forces near the end of World War II in Europe.

1945: Anne Frank dies in Bergen-Belsen concentration camp

In early 1945, Anne Frank and her sister Margot died in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp due to inhumane conditions.

1947: City Motto Bestowed

In 1947, Queen Wilhelmina bestowed the motto "Heroic, Determined, Merciful" on the city of Amsterdam.

1949: Aan de Amsterdamse grachten

In 1949, the song "Aan de Amsterdamse grachten" was written which was performed and recorded by many artists.

Loading Video...

1952: Bid to host Summer Olympics lost to Helsinki

Amsterdam lost the bid to host the 1952 Summer Olympics to Helsinki.

1959: Amsterdam's population at all-time high

In 1959, Amsterdam's population hit an all-time high of 872,000.

1962: Aan de Amsterdamse grachten recording by Wim Sonneveld

In 1962, Wim Sonneveld made probably the best-known version of the song "Aan de Amsterdamse grachten".

Loading Video...

1964: Amsterdam song by Jacques Brel

In 1964, Jacques Brel wrote and sang the song "Amsterdam".

Loading Video...

1968: A8 leading north to Zaandam was opened

Between 1968 and 1974 Road A8, leading north to Zaandam and the A10 Ringroad were opened.

1970: Population decline begins

From 1970, Amsterdam experienced a sharp population decline.

1970: Cancellation of A3 to Rotterdam

In 1970, the A3 highway to Rotterdam was cancelled.

1973: Net loss of people

In 1973, Amsterdam experienced a net loss of 25,000 people.

1974: A8 leading north to Zaandam was opened

Between 1968 and 1974 Road A8, leading north to Zaandam and the A10 Ringroad were opened.

1975: Surinamese settle in Amsterdam

After the independence of Suriname in 1975, a large wave of Surinamese people settled in Amsterdam, mostly in the Bijlmer area.

1977: Metro starts operating

In 1977, a metro line started operating between Bijlmermeer and the center of Amsterdam.

1980: Population decline

From 1980, Amsterdam experienced a sharp population decline.

1981: Amsterdam divided into boroughs

Since 1981, the municipality of Amsterdam has gradually been divided into semi-autonomous boroughs.

1983: Dutch Constitution Revision

In 1983, the Dutch Constitution was revised to mention "Amsterdam" and "capital" explicitly.

1985: Amsterdam population

By 1985 the city had only 675,570 residents.

1986: Opening of the Stopera

In 1986, the Stopera, a complex combining the city hall and opera house, opened in the former Jewish neighborhood at Waterlooplein.

1986: Opening of Het Muziektheater

The Dutch National Opera and Ballet (formerly known as Het Muziektheater) dating from 1986, is the principal opera house and home to Dutch National Opera and Dutch National Ballet.

1991: Amsterdam hosted the World Gymnaestrada

In 1991, Amsterdam hosted the World Gymnaestrada.

1992: Bid to host Summer Olympics lost to Barcelona

Amsterdam lost the bid to host the 1992 Summer Olympics to Barcelona.

1993: Founding of Boom Chicago

In 1993, the English-spoken comedy scene was established in Amsterdam with the founding of Boom Chicago.

1996: AFC Ajax move to Johan Cruyff Arena

In 1996, AFC Ajax moved to their current stadium, the Johan Cruyff Arena, from De Meer Stadion.

1998: Femke Halsema became a member of House of Representatives

In 1998, Femke Halsema became a member of House of Representatives for GroenLinks.

1999: New Building Added to Van Gogh Museum

In 1999, a new building, known as the performance wing, was added to the Van Gogh Museum. It was designed by Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa.

1999: Remodeling of Museumplein

In 1999, the Museumplein in Amsterdam was remodeled to its current appearance.

1999: First Amsterdam Sports Awards

In 1999, the city of Amsterdam honoured Raymond Joval and Carole Thate with the first Amsterdam Sports Awards.

2000: Bell Beaker culture pottery shards found

Around 2000 BC, shards of Bell Beaker culture pottery were found in the prehistoric Amstel bedding under Amsterdam's Damrak and Rokin.

2000: Largest religious group in the city

In 2000, Christians formed the largest religious group in the city (28% of the population).

2003: Construction of new metro line begins

In 2003, construction began on a new metro line connecting the northern and southern parts of the city.

2003: Bad Girls filmed scenes in Amsterdam

In 2003, the British drama series Bad Girls filmed scenes on location in Amsterdam.

Loading Video...

2003: Renovation of Rijksmuseum Started

In 2003, the Rijksmuseum underwent a 10-year, 375 million euro renovation.

2006: Non-Western origin population

In 2006, people of non-Western origin made up approximately one-fifth of the population of Amsterdam, and more than 30% of the city's children.

2006: "Rembrandt 400" Celebration

The year 2006 was designated "Rembrandt 400" in Amsterdam to celebrate the 400th birthday of Rembrandt van Rijn, with some hotels offering special arrangements and activities.

2007: European Cities Monitor Ranking

In 2007, Amsterdam was ranked as one of the top European cities to locate an international business. The European Cities Monitor (ECM) survey ranked Amsterdam fifth overall, with London, Paris, Frankfurt, and Barcelona surpassing it.

2008: Metro line exceeds budget

By 2008, the cost of the new metro line had exceeded its budget by a factor of three.

2008: Amsterdam Designated World Book Capital

In 2008, Amsterdam held 140 festivals and events and was designated as the World Book Capital for the year by UNESCO.

2008: Plans to Remodel Museumplein Again

In 2008, plans were made to remodel the Museumplein again due to dissatisfaction from Amsterdam inhabitants with its current appearance.

2009: Renovation of Stadsschouwburg Complete

In 2009, the new hall of the Stadsschouwburg Amsterdam, Toneelgroep Amsterdam, and Melkweg opened, and the renovation of the front end of the theatre was completed.

May 2010: Amsterdam Boroughs Reform

In May 2010, the number of Amsterdam boroughs was reduced to eight: Amsterdam-Centrum, Amsterdam-Noord, Amsterdam-Oost, Amsterdam-Zuid, Amsterdam-West, Amsterdam Nieuw-West, Amsterdam Zuidoost, and Westpoort.

July 2010: Grachtengordel added to UNESCO World Heritage List

In July 2010, the Grachtengordel (the three concentric canals: Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht) was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

2010: Eberhard van der Laan became the Mayor of Amsterdam

Eberhard van der Laan was the Mayor of Amsterdam from 2010.

2010: Borough System Restructured

In 2010, the Amsterdam borough system was restructured, with many smaller boroughs merging into larger ones.

2010: Amsterdam Boroughs reached fifteen

In 2010, the number of Amsterdam boroughs reached fifteen.

2011: Femke Halsema was a member of House of Representatives

In 2011, Femke Halsema ended her position as member of House of Representatives for GroenLinks.

2011: Haarlemmerstraat and Haarlemmerdijk Voted Best Shopping Street

In 2011, Haarlemmerstraat and Haarlemmerdijk were voted the best shopping street in the Netherlands.

2011: Amsterdams lijflied

In 2011, Trio Bier's "Oude Wolf" was voted "Amsterdams lijflied" in a poll by Amsterdam newspaper Het Parool.

Loading Video...

2011: High Bicycle Theft Rate

In 2011, approximately 83,000 bicycles were stolen in Amsterdam.

September 2012: Reopening of Stedelijk Museum

In September 2012, the Stedelijk Museum reopened after several years of renovations, featuring a new composite extension.

2012: Increase in tourism

In 2012, Amsterdam faced a rise in annual visitors from 10 million to 17 million.

2012: Ziggo Dome Opens

In 2012, the Ziggo Dome, a state-of-the-art indoor music arena, opened near Amsterdam Arena.

2012: "Live My Life" Music Video Filmed

In 2012, the music video for the song "Live My Life" by Far East Movement was filmed in Amsterdam.

Loading Video...

April 2013: Rijksmuseum Reopening

On April 13, 2013, the full collection of the Rijksmuseum was reopened to the public after a 10-year renovation.

2013: Koningsdag Name Change

In 2013, Koninginnedag was renamed Koningsdag upon the crowning of King Willem-Alexander.

2014: Governing majority of D66, VVD and SP was formed

After the 2014 municipal council elections, a governing majority of D66, VVD and SP was formed.

2014: Schiphol fifth busiest airport

As of 2014, Schiphol was the fifth busiest airport in the world measured by international passenger numbers.

2014: Theater Amsterdam Opens

In 2014, Theater Amsterdam opened on the Danzigerkade, housed in a modern building with a panoramic view over the harbor, to showcase the play ANNE.

2014: Cargo Throughput at the Port of Amsterdam

In 2014, the Port of Amsterdam had a cargo throughput of 97.4 million tons, consisting mostly of bulk cargo.

2014: Amsterdam Boroughs Lost Autonomous Status

In 2014, under a reform of the Dutch Municipalities Act, the Amsterdam boroughs lost much of their autonomous status, as their district councils were abolished.

2014: Renewed focus on urban regeneration

Since 2014, a renewed focus has been given to urban regeneration and renewal, especially in areas directly bordering the city centre.

2015: Bicycle Ownership Statistics

According to the CBS, in 2015, Amsterdam had 847,000 bicycles owned by 442,693 households, an average of 1.91 bicycles per household.

2015: Largest religious group in the city

By 2015, it remained largely unchanged, with a slight decrease in the Muslim population to 7.1%.

2015: Increase in tourism

In 2015, Amsterdam faced a rise in annual visitors from 10 million to 17 million.

September 2017: Kajsa Ollongren becomes acting Mayor

On 18 September 2017, Kajsa Ollongren took office as acting Mayor of Amsterdam.

October 2017: Death of Mayor Eberhard van der Laan

In October 2017, Eberhard van der Laan, the Mayor of Amsterdam since 2010, died.

October 2017: Eric van der Burg becomes acting Mayor

On 26 October 2017, Eric van der Burg succeeded Kajsa Ollongren as acting Mayor of Amsterdam.

December 2017: Jozias van Aartsen becomes acting Mayor

On 4 December 2017, Jozias van Aartsen succeeded Eric van der Burg as acting Mayor of Amsterdam.

2017: Hotel Room Occupation Rate

In 2017, the hotel room occupation rate in Amsterdam was 85%, an increase from 78% in 2006.

June 2018: Femke Halsema Appointed Mayor

On 27 June 2018, Femke Halsema was appointed as the first woman to be Mayor of Amsterdam.

July 2018: Femke Halsema Begins Her Term as Mayor

On 12 July 2018, Femke Halsema began serving a six-year term as Mayor of Amsterdam.

2018: Amsterdam Arena Renamed Johan Cruyff Arena

In 2018, the Amsterdam Arena was renamed the Johan Cruyff Arena.

2018: New metro line completed

In 2018, the new metro line connecting the northern and southern parts of the city was completed.

2019: Amsterdam ranked as top tech hub

In 2019, Amsterdam was ranked 4th place globally as a top tech hub.

2019: New Lock Opens in IJmuiden

In 2019, a new lock opened in IJmuiden, allowing the Port of Amsterdam to grow to a capacity of 125 million tonnes.

2019: Removal of Parking Spaces Begins

In 2019, the local government in Amsterdam started removing parking spaces in the city.

2021: Amsterdam Population Statistics

In 2021, the municipality of Amsterdam had a population of about 870,000. Greater Amsterdam had a population of 1,400,000.

2022: Amsterdam city ranking

In 2022, Amsterdam was ranked the ninth-best city to live in by the Economist Intelligence Unit and 12th for quality of living regarding environment and infrastructure by Mercer.

May 2023: Weed smoking ban

On May 25, 2023, Amsterdam banned weed smoking in public areas in and around the red light district in an effort to crackdown on wild tourist behavior.

2023: Amsterdam will host the World Gymnaestrada

In 2023, Amsterdam will host the World Gymnaestrada.

2023: Minority of autochthons

In 2023, autochthons were a minority in 40% of Amsterdam's neighborhoods.

June 2024: Amsterdam population

In June 2024, Amsterdam's population was 933,680 within the city proper, 1,457,018 in the urban area, and 2,480,394 in the metropolitan area.

2024: Rijksmuseum Most Visited Museum in Amsterdam

In 2024, the Rijksmuseum remained the most visited museum in Amsterdam with 2.4 million visitors.

2024: Van Gogh Museum Visitation

In 2024, the Van Gogh Museum was the second most visited museum in Amsterdam, with approximately 1.8 million visits.

2025: Parking Space Removal Goal

By 2025, the local government aims to remove 10,000 parking spaces from Amsterdam.

2040: Structural Vision Amsterdam initiative

The urban renewal and expansion of Amsterdam's traditional centre, including the construction of artificial islands in the IJburg neighbourhood, is part of the Structural Vision Amsterdam 2040 initiative.