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Interior Courtyard during the Day<a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/the-netherlands/">The Netherlands</a> is a country with a deep and vital connection to the sea, and the heart of country's maritime history can be found in the new <a href="http://www.hetscheepvaartmuseum.nl/">Het Scheepvaartmuseum</a>, housed in one of Amsterdam’s largest 17th century buildings. This Dutch naval storehouse building dating back to 1656 was renovated into modern prominence by <a href="http://www.dokarchitecten.nl/">Dok Architecten</a> to become a maritime museum. This historic preservation project is now the site of one of the biggest collections of nautical art and artifacts that the world has ever seen.1
Interior Courtyard at nightAt night the interior courtyard becomes a wonderland of light during exhibits. The interior courtyard is a perfect place for meetings and events with the new roof structure sheltering the visitors from Amsterdam's weather.2
Interior StairwellRenovated interior stairwells add to the interesting new features throughout the building.3
Interior Stairwell showing transparency<a href="http://www.hetscheepvaartmuseum.nl/">Het Scheepvaartmuseum</a> (which is only a 15 minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station) was modernized by Dok Architecten, who enhanced the clean geometry of the courtyard building's plan and in the façade.4
Interior RestroomThe old structure accents the modern renovation of this restroom within the museum. The old versus the new is a perfect compliment to Amsterdam's current architectural culture.5
Interior StairwellThe natural beauty of the original building, designed in 1656 by <a href="http://www.arcam.nl/aad/detail/detail_uk.lasso?ref=lbx&lang=uk&-token.item_id=57">Daniel Stalpaert</a>, was reinvigorated by removing all the surrounding jetties and returning the building to the sea.6
Interior LobbyNew furniture accents the modern aesthetic in this lobby area within the museum.7
Interior Museum LibraryA wonderful collection of naval archives sit readily available behind this curious reader.8
Exterior of BuildingThe building returned to the sea after the jetties were removed from the sides of the building base.9









