Architecture in Utrecht

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  • The defining building of Utrecht is the 13th century Domchurch, part of a larger cathedral which was partially destroyed by a severe storm while under construction. The main tower is the highest building in the city by municipal mandate.
  • De Uithof, which is the campus of Utrecht University on the outskirts of Utrecht, near the stadium of FC Utrecht. De Uithof is a strange mix between grey concrete buildings and an increasing number of buildings designed by famous modern architects, like the Educatorium designed by Rem Koolhaas, the University Library and the Minnaert building. There is also a beautiful botanical garden that stretches over 8 acres and houses 6 thousand different sorts of plants. Also worth a look: the bicycle track at the Heidelberglaan which is broad enough to function as a two-way car-track.
  • The Post Office is an outstanding and surprising building. The Utrecht main Post Office (in use as such from 1924 until 2011) is a great example of Dutch Art Deco architecture. The Post Office, located on the Neude Square, was designed by the architect J. Crouwel and completed in 1924. The barrel-vaulted ceiling is made up of glazed yellow-brick ribs alternated with diagonal glass panes that fill the hall with natural light. The black-and-white floor is set off by five carved black statues set in the walls, each representing a continent. America is a stylised American Indian with two buffalo’s at his feet. Over the main entrance are magnificent stained glass windows.
  • Rietveld Schröder House Prins Hendriklaan 50 Tours organised by Centraal Museum for €16, which includes travel from Centraal Museum, Entry to Museum, Tour of House and Rietveld designed apartment, and a tea/coffee at museum. See website for full details. The Rietveld-Schröderhuis, designed by Gerrit Rietveld, was built in 1923-1924 in Utrecht. The structure of the house matched completely with the ideas of the art movement De Stijl (The Style). The house was designed and built for Truus Schröder-Schräder, who lived there from 1924 till her death in 1985. It can only be visited under supervision of a tour guide. In 2000 the house was placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
  • The Stadsschouwburg Lucasbolwerk 24 was designed in 1937 by the famous architect Willem Dudok.
  • The Inktpot is an eyecatcher, seen when arriving by train. This is the biggest brickstone building in the Netherlands. Currently headoffice of ProRail. ‘De Inktpot’ is at walking distance from the ‘Utrecht Centraal’ train station. When leaving the station, walk in the direction of Hoog Catharijne/Centrum. About 400 metres into Hoog Catharijne, go right towards Godebaldkwartier. Follow the walking route to the exit of Moreelsepark. You will see ‘De Inktpot’ about 150 metres from this exit at the right hand side of the park.
  • In 2014 the new centre of music TivoliVredenburg was opened. It houses five concert halls of different size, shape and atmosphere, designed by different architects. All musical styles are expected.
  • The Leidsche Rijn is a large urban extension to the west of the city which showcases modern urban planning and design. Large park areas and a visitor centre (as of 2012) are particular places of interest.

 

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