The Dutch Central Bank
After an almost five-year renovation, the office building of De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) at Frederiksplein in Amsterdam was reopened earlier this year.
The former vault of De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB), once the most secure place in Amsterdam, has been transformed into De Nieuwe Schatkamer. Where vast amounts of gold and banknotes were once stored, the vault doors are now open to everyone. On March 26, the renovated building was officially opened by King Willem-Alexander and the President of De Nederlandsche Bank, Klaas Knot.
In this 4,800 m² public space, spread across three floors, you can explore the role of DNB and its activities. De Nieuwe Schatkamer is a place where visitors can learn, explore, and engage in discussions about gold, money, and the economy.
From the outside, the impressive 3D models immediately catch the eye. These visuals bring to life the stories of key figures who work or have worked at DNB, as told by the employees themselves.
Inside, this experience is further enhanced by mechanical installations, games, and audiovisual applications. Additionally, you can explore a unique collection of currency, ranging from coins and banknotes from all over the world to ancient forms of payment.
The various exhibitions, installations, and educational games provide insight into topics that affect us all, such as the housing market, cybercrime, and inflation. For example, you can take a seat as the president of a bank at the European Central Bank’s meeting table and help decide on interest rates. How do you get all eurozone countries on the same page? Or sit at the counterfeit money table and learn how to distinguish fake currency from real money.
Deep underground, in the former gold vault, an audiovisual experience immerses you in the mystery of gold. Through immersive projections, you can see how part of the Dutch gold reserve was stored there until a few years ago, how the vault could be flooded in case of emergency, and why gold is such a rare and highly valued precious metal.
In collaboration with various partners, Kloosterboer has executed the construction of the exhibits, mechanical displays, installation of audiovisual equipment, show control, lighting, and interactive elements for *De Nieuwe Schatkamer*.
