Algemeen Rijksarchief

English translation

The text above is the record as published by the Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed, in Dutch. The English below is a machine translation made by TreeAlive, not by the Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed; it has not been checked by a person. Where the two differ, the original is the record. Report a translation error: privacy@treealive.com

Description

Description

Office building of the former Algemeen Rijksarchief (ARA) on a rectangular ground plan with one of the long facades facing the street, consisting of a basement, ground floor and, in the middle section and the left wing, three floors and in the right section two floors under gabled roofs. The facades are built in reddish-brown brick with discharge arches in red stone above the windows with brick three- and two-light cross windows. Bands of yellow stone enliven the brickwork. The facades also have ornamental wall anchors, a sandstone plinth and water drip mouldings in the same material between the floors. The centre mullions of the three-light windows are also executed in sandstone. The central part of the front facade is formed by a central risalit of three window bays and stepped gable; the lower section to the left comprises three, the higher part to the right comprises four window bays. Both side sections are covered by gabled roofs. In the roof sections rows of brick dormer windows with cross windows. The stepped gable of the central section contains a pointed-arch niche with cross window and tracery at the head, flanked by small pointed-arch niches with shutters. Ornamental wrought-iron screens are installed in front of the basement windows. The entrance is flanked by small pointed-arch windows and has a wooden panelled door and fanlight with stained glass containing the Dutch coat of arms.

The interior has been largely well preserved. The vestibule is flanked by porter's lodges. The three-aisle hall is vaulted by rib vaults resting on round sandstone pillars. The walls are whitewashed and the arch surrounds are executed in fair-faced brickwork. The high, narrow stairwell contains a light shaft with the stairs arranged around it. The light shaft is opened towards the stairs by pointed arches which have wrought-iron balustrades and copper handrails along the walls. The access arch to the staircase rests against the wall on a sculptured console on which a knight figure with two coats of arms is depicted.

The walls display painted friezes with foliage scrolls, executed by decorator Jan de Quack. On the first floor is the reading room, covered by barrel vaults, resting on cast-iron beams which rest against the walls on consoles.

Beams, pillars and walls display decorative painting. On either side of the access, working areas for reading room staff are separated by glass doors. The room of the state archivist on the 1st floor has a ceiling with barrel vaults and a painted tie-beam on consoles. The corridor on this floor is covered by rib vaults and has a painted wall frieze with foliage scrolls. In the corridor all doors are fitted with panels and copper door handles. All rooms on the 1st floor are covered by barrel vaults with painting on the beams and have simple fireplace surrounds. In the corner room on this side is a large fireplace surround of which the mantel has sculptured Gothic profiles and on the chimney breast the Dutch coat of arms is painted. The fireplace bears the inscription: 'In omni re vincit imitationem veritas'. Many windows have stained glass. The roof truss structure is executed in iron.

Valuation

The ARA office building with its associated interior is of architectural-historical importance as an example of the new official style propagated by Cuypers and De Stuers which was applied in the last quarter of the 19th century, largely inspired by indigenous architecture of the late 16th and early 17th centuries and with the use of new technical innovations for construction. Main form, detailing and material use are well preserved both internally and externally.