Audiotour Rokin

The Rokin and its treasures

This audio tour by architour provides an informative picture of the historical and current developments at the Rokin and invites participants to become acquainted with the arguments and dilemmas behind urban issues.

The 'worst dentures' in town

Rokin has changed a lot over the centuries, but thanks to its central location, it has always retained its role as the dominant artery of urban activity. However, many Amsterdammers and visitors only have an eye for the commercial functions in the plinths of the buildings or only know the Rokin as a through route to other places in the city. Architectural historian Vincent Van Rossem even once called them the “worst dentures in town”.

Valuable area

However, this does not detract from the importance and value of the area. Over a length of 500 metres, the Rokin offers a cross-section of almost the entire Dutch architectural history: from the Munttoren from the 17th-century via 19th-century buildings such as the Allard Pierson and the post-modern Oudhof building to the most recent shop premises. The latter is not only relevant from an architectural point of view but, above all, in the context of discussions about the use and design of the city. This also applies to the new infrastructural projects, such as the station of the North-South line and the bicycle sheds.

15 striking buildings

During the audio tour, you will be taken from Dam Square to Munttoren, past 15 striking buildings. You explore the area in an individual way, supported by a digital map and current and historical photos per building. At each stop, you can listen to an explanation about the architecture for about 3-4 minutes, but also about the origins of the institutions and companies. The narrator is a local architect and architectural guide who shares his experience in an accessible yet well-researched way. He or she knows how to tell a story about every project.

The tour is available for free and is offered to you by BIZ Vereniging Rokin. All you need is a smartphone with earbuds. Departure point is Rokin 1.