The Universe of Amsterdam – Treasures from the Golden Age of Cartography
In the coming months, the finest Amsterdam maps and atlases from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries will be on display at the Royal Palace Amsterdam – The Universe of Amsterdam. Treasures from the Golden Age of Cartography –
The largest maps in the world are located on the floor of the Citizens' Hall, at the heart of the Royal Palace Amsterdam. The three circular mosaics each have a diameter of 624 centimeters and depict the eastern and western hemispheres of the world and the starry sky. They are an essential part of architect Jacob van Campen's concept for this building, the former Amsterdam City Hall. He designed the imposing city hall as a miniature universe. The spectacular floor maps are a beloved part of a visit to the Palace.
The floor maps are the largest maps ever created. This is no coincidence, as Amsterdam was the world's leading center for cartography. The best and most ambitious cartographers worked in the immediate vicinity of City Hall. An incredible number of maps and atlases were created here, containing treasures of knowledge. They brought the world within reach of the curious.
In this exhibition, visitors discover the story of the maps in the Burgerzaal and the most beautiful Amsterdam maps and atlases from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.
The exhibition is also enriched with a very special loan from Berlin. It is one of the largest books in the world, the Atlas of the Great Elector of Brandenburg (circa 1665). This giant atlas weighs 125 kilos and, when opened, measures 170 by 220 cm. It was likely created in Amsterdam by Joan Blaeu.
The last time this giant was shown to the public was in 2008.
The exhibition was created in collaboration with the Allard Pierson│ Collections of the University of Amsterdam. This museum and knowledge institute manages one of the most important cartographic collections in Europe.
Kloosterboer is responsible for the construction of the exhibition's interior.
The exhibition – Universe of Amsterdam: Treasures from the Golden Age of Cartography – can be seen at the Royal Palace Amsterdam from June 29 to September 22, 2019.
