Neude Library - III by The Utregter Photoraphy

About "Neude Library - III"

by The Utregter Photoraphy

About the artwork

The former Main Post Office was designed by architect J. Crouwel Jr. in the style of the Amsterdam School. Construction began in 1919 and the building was completed in 1924. The hall of the building is impressive because of the high parabolic arches.

In the hall there are six statues made of bluestone. Five of these human figures represent the different continents and they are accompanied by an associated animal, a sixth statue is about trade and prosperity. The statues and ornaments were made by Hendrik van den Eijnde. The two lions on the outside in front of the entrance are also by his hand. These were placed later and were not originally part of the design, but were made at the request of the people of Utrecht. The large clock in the hall was made by De Porceleyne Fles. The stained glass above the entrance was made by Richard Roland Holst and depicts the "Nederlandse Maagd in de tuin der provinciën".

In the 1970s the building was renovated under the direction of René van Raalte. In 2008, it was announced that Fortis Vastgoed (now a.s.r. real estate development) would acquire the building from KPN.[3] On 28 October 2011, it closed as the very last independent post office in the Netherlands.[4][5] For several years, no redevelopment could be found for it. After 2016 the building was converted into a cultural centre with a library, cinema, auditorium, brasserie and café as well as exhibition spaces, workplaces as well as a bicycle shed. The building h