Oost-Indisch Huis

Oost-Indisch Huis, or East India House is an austere building that was earlier the headquarters of the powerful Dutch East India Trading Company. Now a part of the University of Amsterdam, the Oost-Indisch Huis chronicles the history and sphere of influence of the Dutch East India Company throughout the world. The Oost-Indisch Huis was built in 1605, most likely by Hendrick de Keyser, a prominent architect of his time. With tall, imposing columns of walls, a sloping roof and an inner, enclosed courtyard, the Oost-Indisch Huis was way ahead of its times. It was renovated and re-structured several times in the 17th Century and several additions were introduced, such as the Western Wing in 1663 and an inclusion of a Northern Wing a few years later.