History of Amsterdam in Timeline

Amsterdam, the capital and largest city of the Netherlands, has a population of over 933,000 within the city proper, and around 2.5 million in the metropolitan area as of June 2024. Situated in North Holland, the city is famous for its extensive canal system, earning it the nickname "Venice of the North." The canals are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting their historical and cultural significance.

1900: Religious Demographics in Amsterdam

In 1900, Christians formed the largest religious group in Amsterdam (70% of the population), with the Dutch Reformed Church accounting for 45% and the Catholic Church 25% of the city population.

1906: Joseph Conrad describes Amsterdam

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

The Mirror of the Sea

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1916: Flood in Durgerdam, Holysloot, Zunderdorp and Schellingwoude

In 1916, a flood occurred in Durgerdam, Holysloot, Zunderdorp and Schellingwoude, municipalities lying north of Amsterdam.

1920: Amsterdam Assisted Hosting Sailing Events for Summer Olympics in Antwerp

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

January 1921: Municipalities Annexed to Amsterdam

On January 1, 1921, after a flood in 1916, the depleted municipalities of Durgerdam, Holysloot, Zunderdorp and Schellingwoude, all lying north of Amsterdam, were annexed to the city at their own request.

1924: International Eucharistic Congress in Amsterdam

In 1924, the Catholic Church hosted the International Eucharistic Congress in Amsterdam, drawing numerous Catholic prelates to the city for festivities in churches and stadiums, though Catholic processions on public streets remained forbidden by law.

1928: Amsterdam Hosts the Summer Olympics

In 1928, Amsterdam hosted the Summer Olympics. The Olympic Stadium built for the occasion has been completely restored and is now used for cultural and sporting events, such as the Amsterdam Marathon.

1932: Amsterdam as hub of Netherlands Highway System

In 1932, Amsterdam was intended to be the hub of the highway system of the Netherlands, with freeways numbered One to Eight planned to originate from the city.

May 1940: Nazi Germany Invades the Netherlands

On May 10, 1940, Nazi Germany invaded the Netherlands and took control of the country. Some Amsterdam citizens sheltered Jews, risking imprisonment or concentration camps. Over 100,000 Dutch Jews were deported and murdered in Nazi concentration camps.

February 1941: Amsterdam Jews Arrested and Sent to Mauthausen

On 22 February 1941, in response to the death of a collaborator, 427 Amsterdam Jews were arrested and sent to Mauthausen concentration camp; only two survived.

May 1943: Wave of Arrests in Amsterdam's Jewish Quarter

On 26 May 1943, one of the two main waves of arrest, culminating in deportation, occurred in Amsterdam's Jewish Quarter.

June 1943: Wave of Arrests in Amsterdam's Jewish Quarter

On 20 June 1943, one of the two main waves of arrest, culminating in deportation, occurred in Amsterdam's Jewish Quarter.

1944: Anne Frank's Hiding Place Betrayed

In August 1944, Anne Frank and her family's safe hiding place was betrayed and discovered. After a spell at the 'holding camp' in Westerbork Anna and her family were sent to Auschwitz, where her mother was murdered.

May 1945: Amsterdam Liberated by Canadian Forces

On 5 May 1945, Amsterdam was liberated by Canadian forces, shortly before the end of the war in Europe. The city was in crisis with broken communication, scarce food and fuel, and citizens foraging in the countryside.

1945: Anne Frank dies in Bergen-Belsen

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

1947: Amsterdam's Official Motto Bestowed

In 1947, Queen Wilhelmina bestowed the city's official motto: Heldhaftig, Vastberaden, Barmhartig (Heroic, Determined, Merciful), in recognition of the city's bravery during the Second World War.

1949: Release of "Aan de Amsterdamse grachten"

In 1949, the song "Aan de Amsterdamse grachten" ("On the canals of Amsterdam") was released and performed by many artists, including John Kraaijkamp Sr.

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1952: Amsterdam Loses Bid to Host Summer Olympics

Amsterdam made a bid to host the 1952 Summer Olympics but lost to Helsinki.

1959: Amsterdam's Population Hit All-Time High

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

1962: Wim Sonneveld's Version of "Aan de Amsterdamse grachten"

In 1962, Wim Sonneveld released his version of "Aan de Amsterdamse grachten" ("On the canals of Amsterdam"), which became the best-known version.

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1964: Release of "Amsterdam" by Jacques Brel

In 1964, Jacques Brel released the song "Amsterdam".

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1968: Opening of Road A8

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

1970: Sharp Population Decline in Amsterdam

Between 1970 and 1980, Amsterdam experienced a sharp population decline.

1970: Cancellation of A3 freeway

In 1970, the A3 freeway to Rotterdam was cancelled to conserve the Groene Hart.

1973: Net Loss of People in Amsterdam

In 1973, Amsterdam experienced a sharp population decline, peaking at a net loss of 25,000 people.

1974: Opening of A10 Ringroad

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

1975: Surinamese Settled in Amsterdam

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

1977: Metro Starts Operating

In 1977, a metro started operating between the new suburb of Bijlmermeer in the city's Zuidoost (southeast) exclave and the centre of Amsterdam.

1980: Sharp Population Decline in Amsterdam

Between 1970 and 1980, Amsterdam experienced a sharp population decline.

1981: Division of Amsterdam into Semi-Autonomous Boroughs

Since 1981, the municipality of Amsterdam has gradually been divided into semi-autonomous boroughs, called stadsdelen or 'districts'.

1983: Constitutional Revision Designates Amsterdam as Capital

Since the 1983 constitutional revision, the constitution mentions "Amsterdam" and "capital" in chapter 2, article 32.

1985: Amsterdam's Residents

By 1985, Amsterdam had only 675,570 residents.

1986: Establishment of the Dutch National Opera and Ballet

In 1986, the Dutch National Opera and Ballet (formerly known as Het Muziektheater) was established as the principal opera house and home to Dutch National Opera and Dutch National Ballet.

1986: Opening of the Stopera

In 1986, the Stopera, a huge modern complex combining the city hall and opera house, opened in the former Jewish neighbourhood at Waterlooplein next to the river Amstel.

1991: Amsterdam Hosted the World Gymnaestrada

Amsterdam hosted the World Gymnaestrada in 1991.

1992: Amsterdam Loses Bid to Host Summer Olympics

Amsterdam made a bid to host the 1992 Summer Olympics but lost to Barcelona.

1993: Founding of Boom Chicago

In 1993, the English-spoken comedy scene was established with the founding of Boom Chicago, which has its own theatre at Leidseplein.

1996: AFC Ajax move to Johan Cruyff Arena

In 1996, AFC Ajax moved to their current location in the Johan Cruyff Arena, located in the south-east of the city next to the new Amsterdam Bijlmer ArenA railway station.

1998: Femke Halsema member of House of Representatives for GroenLinks

From 1998 Femke Halsema was 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, designed by Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa, was added to the Van Gogh Museum.

1999: Remodelling of the Museumplein

In 1999, the current appearance of the Museumplein was realised when the square was remodelled.

1999: First Amsterdam Sports Awards

Since 1999, the city of Amsterdam has honored the best sportsmen and women at the Amsterdam Sports Awards. Boxer Raymond Joval and field hockey midfielder Carole Thate were the first to receive the awards in 1999.

2000: Bell Beaker culture pottery

Around 2000 BC, shards of Bell Beaker culture pottery were found in the prehistoric Amstel bedding under Amsterdam's Damrak and Rokin. The location of these artifacts around the river banks of the Amstel probably points to the presence of a modest semi-permanent or seasonal settlement.

2000: Religious Demographics in Amsterdam

In 2000, Christians formed the largest religious group in Amsterdam, accounting for 28% of the population, followed by Islam at 8%, with most followers being Sunni.

2003: Construction of New Metro Line Started

In 2003, Construction of a new metro line connecting the part of the city north of the IJ to its southern part was started.

2003: Renovation of the Rijksmuseum Begins

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

2006: Demographic Shift in Amsterdam

In 2006, approximately one-fifth of Amsterdam's population was of non-Western origin, and over 30% of the city's children shared this background. A slight majority of Amsterdam's residents had at least one parent born outside the Netherlands, while intercultural marriages were common. Only a third of residents under 15 were autochthons, meaning they had two parents of Dutch origin.

2006: "Rembrandt 400" celebration

The year 2006 was designated "Rembrandt 400" in Amsterdam, to celebrate the 400th birthday of Rembrandt van Rijn.

2007: Amsterdam Ranks High as a Business Location

According to the 2007 European Cities Monitor (ECM), Amsterdam was ranked as one of the top European cities, specifically fifth, in which to locate an international business.

2008: Metro Line Project Cost Exceeds Budget

By 2008, the cost of the new metro line project had exceeded its budget by a factor of three, due to various issues.

2008: Plans to Remodel Museumplein

In 2008, plans were made to remodel the Museumplein again because many inhabitants of Amsterdam are not happy with its current appearance.

2008: Amsterdam Designated World Book Capital

In 2008, there were 140 festivals and events in Amsterdam. During the same year, Amsterdam was designated as the World Book Capital for one year by UNESCO.

2009: Opening of new hall and renovation of Stadsschouwburg Amsterdam

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

May 2010: Reduction of Amsterdam Boroughs

In May 2010, under a major reform, the number of Amsterdam boroughs was reduced to eight.

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 Becomes Mayor of Amsterdam

Eberhard van der Laan (Labour Party) was the Mayor of Amsterdam from 2010 until his death in October 2017.

2010: Restructuring of the Borough System

In 2010, the borough system was restructured, in which many smaller boroughs merged into larger boroughs.

2010: Amsterdam Boroughs Reach Fifteen

In 2010, the number of Amsterdam boroughs reached fifteen.

2011: "Oude Wolf" Voted Amsterdam's Anthem

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

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2011: Bicycle Thefts

In 2011, approximately 83,000 bicycles were stolen in Amsterdam, highlighting the widespread issue of bicycle theft.

2011: Haarlemmerstraat and Haarlemmerdijk Voted Best Shopping Street

In 2011, the Haarlemmerstraat and Haarlemmerdijk were voted the best shopping street in the Netherlands. These streets offer a large diversity of privately owned shops.

2011: Femke Halsema leaves House of Representatives for GroenLinks

Until 2011 Femke Halsema was member of House of Representatives for GroenLinks.

September 2012: Reopening of the Stedelijk Museum

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

2012: Number of Tourists Visits Amsterdam

In 2012, 10 million tourists visits Amsterdam.

2012: Opening of Ziggo Dome

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

2012: Music Video Filming

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

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April 2013: Reopening of the Rijksmuseum

On April 13, 2013, the full collection of the Rijksmuseum was reopened to the public.

2013: Koninginnedag renamed Koningsdag

In 2013, Koninginnedag was renamed Koningsdag after the crowning of King Willem-Alexander. Koningsdag is held each year on 27 April and hundreds of thousands of people travel to Amsterdam to celebrate.

2014: Governing Coalition Formed Without Labour Party

After the 2014 municipal council elections, a governing majority of D66, VVD and SP was formed – the first coalition without the Labour Party since World War II.

2014: Schiphol Fifth Busiest Airport

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

2014: New theatre opens in Amsterdam

In 2014, a new theatre opened in Amsterdam. Theater Amsterdam is located in the west part of Amsterdam, on the Danzigerkade. Also in 2014 it is housed in a modern building with a panoramic view over the harbour. The theatre is the first-ever purpose-built venue to showcase a single play entitled ANNE, the play based on Anne Frank's life.

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: Abolishment of District Councils

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, renewed focus has been given to urban regeneration and renewal, especially in areas directly bordering the city centre, such as Frederik Hendrikbuurt.

2015: Number of Tourists Visits Amsterdam

In 2015, 17 million tourists visits Amsterdam.

2015: Households and Bicycles

In 2015, Amsterdam's 442,693 households (850,000 residents) owned 847,000 bicycles, averaging 1.91 bicycles per household.

2015: Religious Demographics in Amsterdam

In 2015, Christians formed the largest religious group in Amsterdam, accounting for 28% of the population, followed by Islam at 7.1%, with most followers being Sunni.

2016: Rijksmuseum Visitor Count

In 2016, the Rijksmuseum had 2.2 million visitors.

September 2017: Kajsa Ollongren becomes acting Mayor of Amsterdam

On 18 September 2017, Kajsa Ollongren took up office as acting Mayor of Amsterdam due to Eberhard van der Laan's ill health.

October 2017: Death of Eberhard van der Laan

Eberhard van der Laan was the Mayor of Amsterdam from 2010 until his death in October 2017.

October 2017: Eric van der Burg becomes acting Mayor of Amsterdam

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

December 2017: Jozias van Aartsen becomes acting Mayor of Amsterdam

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

2017: Rijksmuseum Visitor Count

In 2017, the Rijksmuseum had 2.16 million visitors.

2017: Hotel Occupancy Rate

In 2017, the room occupation rate in Amsterdam's hotels was 85%, up from 78% in 2006. The majority of tourists (74%) originated from Europe, with the largest group of non-European visitors coming from the United States (14%).

June 2018: Femke Halsema Appointed Mayor of Amsterdam

On 27 June 2018, Femke Halsema was appointed as the first woman to be Mayor of Amsterdam by the King's Commissioner of North Holland for a six-year term after being nominated by the Amsterdam municipal council.

July 2018: Femke Halsema Begins Term as Mayor of Amsterdam

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 was completed.

2019: Amsterdam Ranked Fourth Top Tech Hub, 2019

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

2019: Removal of Parking Spaces in Amsterdam Begins

In 2019, the local government started removing parking spaces in the city, with the goal of removing 10,000 spaces.

2019: New Lock Opens at IJmuiden

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

July 2021: Amsterdam Apologizes for Slave Trade Involvement

On July 1, 2021, the mayor of Amsterdam, Femke Halsema, apologised for the city's involvement in the slave trade.

2021: Amsterdam Population Statistics

In 2021, the municipality of Amsterdam had a population of about 870,000. The larger conurbation had a population of over one million, and Greater Amsterdam had a population of 1,400,000.

2022: Amsterdam Ranked Ninth Best City to Live In, 2022

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

May 2023: Crackdown on Tourist Behavior

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

2023: Amsterdam Will Host the World Gymnaestrada

Amsterdam will host the World Gymnaestrada again in 2023.

2023: Autochthons are a Minority in Many Neighborhoods

In 2023, autochthons were a minority in 40% of Amsterdam's neighborhoods, and segregation along ethnic lines was visible, with people of non-Western origin concentrating in specific areas.

June 2024: Amsterdam Population in June 2024

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

2025: Goal for Parking Space Removal Completion

By 2025, the local government aims to have removed 10,000 parking spaces from the city.

2040: Structural Vision Amsterdam 2040 Initiative

The urban renewal and expansion of the traditional center of the city—with the construction of artificial islands of the new eastern IJburg neighborhood—is part of the Structural Vision Amsterdam 2040 initiative.