Oude Kerk Amsterdam

"There’s something odd about a Gothic church that’s located in the Red Light District and surrounded by brothels, but that’s Amsterdam in a nutshell. Consecrated in 1306, Oude Kerk is the oldest surviving building in the city. The artist Rembrandt was a regular visitor; in fact, his children were christened here. And while you’ll find many typical medieval church trappings—vaulted ceilings, centuries-old paintings, ancient gravestones embedded in the floor—the building officially was designated as a museum in 2016. It hosts two site-specific exhibitions annually, featuring top international contemporary artists. All in all, this is a great place for a moment of quiet reflection if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the seediness of the Red Light District." - Meredith Bethune, Jennifer Ceaser

"What’s this place all about? A Gothic church turned contemporary art space, located in the Red Light District and surrounded by a brothels—that's Amsterdam in a nutshell. Consecrated in 1306, Oude Kerk is the oldest surviving building in the city. Rembrandt was a regular visitor; in fact, his first wife, Saskia, is buried here. And while you’ll find many typical medieval church trappings—vaulted ceilings, centuries-old paintings, ancient gravestones embedded in the floor—the building officially was designated as a museum in 2016. It hosts two site-specific exhibitions annually, featuring top international contemporary artists. What’s it like being there? Depending on the exhibit, you’ll never quite know what you’ll encounter, but it’s always fascinating to see the juxtaposition of contemporary works with such historic surroundings. Who comes here? History geeks, art fans, and tourists who have already hit all the major sites in Amsterdam. Did it meet expectations? With a firm foot in both the past and present, this site stands out as much for its historic value as its adventurous art exhibitions. So, then, what, or who, do you think it’s best for? This is a great place for a moment of quiet reflection if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the seediness of the Red Light District." - Jennifer Ceaser