Symposium Venue
The Advanced Study Initiative will take place at two historical locations situated closely together in the heart of Amsterdam: Historical Hotel the Grand and the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences building (“Trippenhuis”).
The Grand (May 8, 2007)
Successively a convent in the 15th century, a Royal Inn in the 16th century, headquarters of the Dutch Admiralty in Holland’s “Golden Age”, then Town Hall and in 1966 the setting for the wedding of Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, The Grand has certainly left its mark on the history of Amsterdam. Uniquely bordered front and back by two canals the buildings housing the hotel have been at the heart of the city life for over six centuries. This magnificently restored historic building now offers discerning visitors all the facilities of a “Deluxe” hotel, and has outstanding conference facilities.
The Grand is ideally located in the heart of Amsterdam’s historic centre, just a stone’s throw from the key financial institutions, the famous Dam Square and thirty minutes from Schiphol International Airport.
Route directions to the Grand:
Oudezijds Voorburgwal 197
1012 EX Amsterdam
The Grand can be reached by foot from the train station Amsterdam CS; it takes about ten minutes to walk to the Grand. From the train station Amsterdam CS you can also take the following tram numbers: 4, 9, 16, 24 or 25. Get off at the first stop near Dam Square and walk from Dam Square heading east through the Damstraat. Cross the first bridge and turn right to Oudezijds Voorburgwal. Hotel The Grand is just a few metres ahead. You can also take the metro and get off at the Nieuwmarkt. Take the exit marked Hoogstraat, head west and turn left on the third bridge. Hotel The Grand is at number 197.
For a map click here.
KNAW (May 9 - 11, 2007)
In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, governments in other European countries took the initiative for the founding of academies to serve as central bodies for the promotion of science and international scientific cooperation. The Republic of the United Provinces (the precursor of the State of the Netherlands) did not yet have such an institution, mainly because of the sovereignty of the individual provinces. During the period of the Kingdom of Holland (1806-1810), King Louis Napoleon (brother of Napoleon Bonaparte) promulgated a decree, on 4 May 1808, founding the Royal Institute of Sciences, Letters and Arts (‘Koninklijk Instituut van Wetenschappen, Letterkunde en Schoone Kunsten’). The chief aim was ‘to perfect the Sciences and Arts, to notify such progress to Foreigners and to introduce inventions or progress achieved elsewhere in our own country.’ The Institute provided the government with solicited and unsolicited advice. It also implemented government decrees.
The Royal Institute endured after the downfall of the French and King William I confirmed its establishment by Royal Decree in 1816. Thereafter, it became known as the Royal Netherlands Institute of Science, Letters and Arts.
Route directions to the KNAW Trippenhuis:
Kloveniersburgwal 29
1011 JV Amsterdam
The Trippenhuis can be reached by foot from the train station Amsterdam CS; it takes about ten minutes to walk to the Trippenhuis. From the train station Amsterdam CS and train statiom Amsterdam Amstel you can also reach the Trippenhuis by metro; get off at metro station Nieuwmarkt (exit: Nieuwmarkt or Nieuwe Hoogstraat).
When traveling by car: approaching Amsterdam via A2 or A4; take ringroad A10, then exit S116 or S112. Parking is available at Parking Stadhuis, entrance Waterlooplein (underground).
For a map click here.