Another building I visited at the Open Monumentsday was this home to the oldest trade union in the Netherlands dating from 1900. It was quickly nicknamed "De Burcht" ( the Castle) due to its rugged exterior.
The inside was stunning with a monumental bright stairwell. The walls are covered with yellow and white glazed bricks. Daylight streams in through the glass roof and a large wrought-iron lantarn, 12 metres long and 1100 kgs. illuminates the room in the evenings.
The architect "Berlage (1856-1934)" a prominent Dutch architect, meant to visualize the rise of the labour movements from the darkness of oppression to the bright light of the classless society.
Murals and other works by leading artists, supported by poetry celebrate the bright future that socialism will bring.
The union counsil hall.
The boardroom.
The library and reading room with its original bookcases with curtains.
A lot of people had come to pay a visit. Linking to "Our World Tuesday"
