Visit the newly opened Utrecht Central Library
Many considered this the most beautiful post office in the whole of the Netherlands, which made its closing as the last operating post office in the country even sadder. But now this fine building is open again for us all to see.
Open again
The last remaining dedicated post office building in the Netherlands is open again following a major conversion from post office to library. A sneak peak of what you will see on our VoiceMap audio walking tour of Utrecht
It was designed by the architect Joseph Crouwel between 1917 and 1921 in the style of what is known as the Amsterdam School. The Finnish architect Saarinen, as well as ancient Middle Eastern indigenous architecture, are clearly sources of inspiration.
The interior is a massive, soaring parabolic vault made up of an alternating sequence of glass and brick ribs. The shape reminds me of the reed buildings of the Marsh Arabs in southern Iraq, albeit a modern version of them.
Learn more about the building and the neighbourhood on our audio walking tour Castles, canals and good folk in Utrecht from VoiceMap.
There is also a series of powerful early modern sculptures towering over the main hall representing the five continents, with a sixth standing in for trade and prosperity. All blokes, of course, but well worth checking out nonetheless.
My favourite details are the animals at the foot of each figure, especially the kangaroos and the camels.
Africa
Hendrik Albertus van den Eijnde, 1929-1931
Australia
Hendrik Albertus van den Eijnde, 1929-1931
When the library’s holdings were moved from the old building to the new, they invited local children to help out. My 2 year old cousin took it all very seriously, and very carefully carried the book he was allocated, to its new home.
All in all a great PR initiative to get children to recognise that it is their library too.
By pigeon post
Heffalumps are everywhere
Address Neude 11, 3512 AE, Utrecht, The Netherlands
Opening hours Monday to Saturday 0900-1800; Sunday 1000-1800
Telephone +31 (0)3 0286 1800