Description of the attraction
All cities are remarkable in their own way, but, probably, only in Amsterdam, with its original outlook on life, such a structure as Stopera could arise.
Stopera is a complex of buildings located in the center of Amsterdam, at Waterloo Square, in the bend of the Amstel River. It houses the municipality and the Dutch National Opera and Ballet Theater. The home stage of the National Symphony Orchestra is also located here. The name comes from the confluence of two Dutch words: "stadhuis" (town hall) and "opera".
The complex was built in 1986, although there has been talk of the city needing a new musical theater and a new city hall since the early 20th century. Due to a constant lack of funds, construction was postponed, and projects were not approved. In 1979, the Vienna-based architect Wilhelm Holzbauer proposed placing both the municipality and the musical theater in the same building. The revolutionary proposal unexpectedly pleased the city authorities; the government of the country also agreed. Among the citizens there were dissatisfied, voices of protest sounded, but in 1986 the Musical Theater of Amsterdam opened its doors to the public. The city authorities celebrated a housewarming two years later, after which the famous Amsterdam flea market from Waterloo Square was finally able to return to its historical place - during construction, the market was moved to Rapenburger Street.
Externally, Stopera is a massive building faced with red bricks. The building's curved semicircular facade is finished in white marble. Numerous panoramic windows from the foyer of the theater provide a wonderful view of the river.
