Museumplein is the cultural heart of Amsterdam.  Its redesign in the 1990s has turned this space in a true urban “living room”, with many events and festivals now taking place here, along with lingering, relaxing, people-watching and sun-bathing.   The current situation resonates with Jan Gehl’s observation that “a good city is like a good party – people stay longer than necessary because they’re enjoying themselves”.   Underneath this green space lies a parking garage for 600 cars, illustrating Amsterdam’s approach to allowing cars in the city, but considering their place carefully.
museumplein

140920-img-9056-museumplein-rijksmuseumMuseumplein 1982 (Frans Busselman) & 2014 (Thomas Schlijper)