Paanorama Koornbrug on the Nieuwe Rijn in Leiden Netherlands by Hendrik-Jan Kornelis

About "Paanorama Koornbrug on the Nieuwe Rijn in Leiden Netherlands"

by Hendrik-Jan Kornelis

About the artwork

The Koornbrug (locally: Koornbeursbrug) is a fixed stone arch bridge with double canopy over the water of the Nieuwe Rijn river in the centre of the Dutch city of Leiden. The bridge connects Burgsteeg and Koornbrugsteeg.

For centuries, corn was traded on the bridge. The first mention of a bridge at this location dates from the 15th century. In 1642, this bridge was replaced by the current Koornbrug with three arches and fancy natural stone fronts. The foundation stone was laid on 15 December 1642.[1] The underside of the bridge still dates from this time. The bridge owes its name to the fact that corn was traded there. In the 17th century, the bridge was renewed to a design by Leiden architect Arent van 's-Gravesande.

The Koornbrug in a German architecture book (1908)
A canopy was installed in 1824 to protect merchandise. The two canopies in neo-classical style were designed by Salomon van der Paauw, the city architect of Leiden. The canopy contains the city arms of Leiden (keys) surrounded by ears of corn. Wheat was stored under the roof. The holes in the ceiling served as ventilation.

Since 1968, the property has been listed in the national monument register. In 1978, the canopies were extensively restored. This involved replacing all columns and partially renewing the roof structures. A different type of slate roofing was also put on the roofs.

In March 2007, the bridge was restored because it was affected by wood rot and mould. In November 2007, the bridge was partially destroyed by schoolchildren protesting against the 1040-hour standard. The damage amounted to over 17,000 euros.