Canal museum shows how the ring of canals was nearly razed to the ground

"Amsterdam, almost demolished" is a temporary exhibition at the Grachtenmuseum, in a 17th-century canal house in the ring of canals. According to the museum calendar, the expo runs through March 29, 2026, and is part of the changing program on the history and protection of the area around the canals.

The exhibition revolves around twentieth-century renewal plans that should have altered or demolished large parts of the historic downtown. In different rooms you follow a chronological and thematic story. On tables and walls lie and hang city maps, technical drawings and models of planned traffic routes, office buildings and large-scale breakthroughs through existing neighborhoods.

The use of previously unpublished archival photographs, drawings, maps and protest posters is striking. The photographs show how planners and administrators wanted to adapt the ring of canals to automobile traffic and modern office life. In contrast, posters and pamphlets from residents, activists and heritage organizations opposed to the demolition of historic buildings and streets.

Notable is the use of previously unpublished archival photographs, drawings, maps and protest posters.

"Amsterdam, Almost Demolished" thus connects old records from the archives with current discussions about urban development, mobility and heritage protection. By juxtaposing the original plans with the current streetscape, you can see how great an influence citizen protest and heritage activism has had on the appearance of the city today.

Amsterdam Now Exhibitions
Amsterdam Now Culture