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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