De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) officially reopened its head office in Amsterdam after almost five years of renovations, marking a significant milestone for both the institution and the city. Starting tomorrow, the building will be accessible to the public through the same entrance at Frederiksplein, allowing anyone—be they bank employees, students, or simply those who want to enjoy a coffee—to enter. "All employees, the president of the bank, students. Everyone who wants to take a look or grab a coffee," said director Maaike van Leuken, as reported by AT5.
The extensive renovations included removing the Dutch gold reserves, which had previously been secured within the building, effectively eliminating the previous security protocols. This change not only makes the headquarters more welcoming but also less encumbered by the stringent measures of the past. "We no longer need to secure the premises as we did before, with guards on the doorstep and closed gates," Van Leuken explained.
The reopening of the DNB head office also redefines its image, which has long been considered unattractive by many residents. With the gold relocated to Zeist, the building has undergone significant changes, with architectural undertakings aimed at enhancing the public perception of the space. "I really hope people will be delighted with it. This was once regarded as one of the ugliest buildings in Amsterdam. I think it is now a fantastic building, both for professionals and the public," stated architect Francine Houben.
One of the most notable transformations is the creation of "De Nieuwe Schatkamer" (The New Treasure Room), which encompasses three floors dedicated to exhibitions. Scheduled to open to the public by March, these galleries are expected to feature displays about what DNB is, the history of money, and economic education. Van Leuken expressed excitement for the influx of school groups: "We want to make this accessible for all levels of education—from primary schools to universities."
With around 2,500 employees set to return to work at the renovated headquarters, the head office is expected to thrive as both a business hub and cultural landmark. Although the primary access remains for DNB staff, there are plans for public open days such as Open Tower Day and Heritage Day where visitors can explore the upper floors for panoramic views of the city.
"The Nederlandsche Bank is the central bank for all Dutch people, and financial stability and sustainable prosperity affect everyone," Van Leuken remarked, emphasizing the importance of the institution's role within the community. She also acknowledged the reciprocal relationship between the bank and the public, saying, "It is important for us to understand the community's needs. The more we connect with the people, the more effectively we can perform our duties."
Reducing its environmental impact was also a goal during the renovations, with Van Leuken noting, "By opting not to tear down the existing building, we reduced the environmental impact by 50 percent and saved 70,000 tons of building materials." This commitment to sustainability reflects broader trends within construction and city planning, where integrating green practices is increasingly prioritized.
Now, with DNB opening its doors wider to the public, the hope is to encourage engagement and curiosity about the central bank's role and contributions to the nation's economy. The enthusiasm shared by Van Leuken and Houben signals not just the completion of renovations, but the beginning of DNB's next chapter—one where the bank is not just a place of finance, but also a community hub where learning and growth happen side by side.