The town hall

The imposing town hall is an example of the large, prosperous city that Enkhuizen was in the Golden Age. It was built in 1686/1688 and bears a striking resemblance to the Palace on Dam Square, which was the town hall of Amsterdam at the time.

The administrators at the time wanted not only a new city hall, but also a status symbol. Steven Vennekool from Amsterdam was given the honor of making a design. His father, Jacob Vennekool, was a student of Jacob van Campen, who was the architect of the palace on the Dam in Amsterdam, perhaps the most prestigious city hall in the Netherlands.

Enkhuizen had already passed its economic peak at the time of construction, but still ventured into this prestigious project. On the first floor are the Witte- or Burgerzaal, the council chamber with velours d’Utrecht, the mayor’s room with painted scenes by Romeijn de Hooge, the wedding room and the Weeskamer with the tapestries.

The interior is largely authentic and features rich paintwork. The workrooms are still in use and the historic Schepenenkamer is a popular wedding location.

On the ground floor in the Blue Hall there are regular exhibitions. The bronze cannon on the pavement is a war trophy captured from Dunkirk privateers.

Opening

The Blue Hall can be visited during the opening hours of the town hall: Monday to Thursday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm and Friday from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.

On Open Monument Day you can also admire the rooms on the first floor, highly recommended!