Stopera description and photos - Netherlands: Amsterdam (Topic)

Stopera description and photo - Netherlands: Amsterdam. Detailed information about the attraction. Description, photographs and a map showing the nearest significant objects. The name in English is Stopera.

Photo and description

All cities are remarkable in their own way, but, probably, only in Amsterdam, with its original outlook on life, such a structure as Stopera could have appeared.

Stopera is a complex of buildings located in the center of Amsterdam, on Waterloo Square, in the bend of the Amstel River. It houses the municipality and the Dutch National Opera and Ballet Theater. It also houses the home stage of the National Symphony Orchestra. The name comes from the merger of two Dutch words: "stadhuis" (town hall) and "opera".

The complex was built in 1986, although there was talk about the need for a new musical theater and a new city hall since the beginning of the 20th century. Due to the constant lack of funds, construction was postponed, and projects were not approved. In 1979, the Vienna-based architect Wilhelm Holzbauer proposed placing both the municipality and the musical theater in the same building. The revolutionary proposal unexpectedly pleased the city authorities; the country's government also agreed. Among the citizens there were dissatisfied, voices of protest sounded, but in 1986 the Musical Theater of Amsterdam opened its doors to the public. The city authorities celebrated a housewarming two years later, after which the famous Amsterdam flea market from Waterloo Square was finally able to return to its historical place - during the construction the market was moved to Rapenburger Street.

Externally, Stopera is a massive building, lined with red brick. The building's curved semicircular facade is finished in white marble. Numerous panoramic windows from the theater foyer provide a wonderful view of the river.

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Topic: Stopera description and photos - Netherlands: Amsterdam.