Choral bridge Leiden with town hall in the background by Hendrik-Jan Kornelis

About "Choral bridge Leiden with town hall in the background"

by Hendrik-Jan Kornelis

About the artwork

For centuries, corn was traded on the bridge. The first mention of a bridge at this location dates back to the 15th century. In 1642 this bridge was replaced by today's Choir Bridge with three arches and chic natural stone fronts. The first stone was laid on 15 December 1642. The underside of the bridge dates back to this time. The bridge owes its name to the fact that corn was traded there. In the 17th century, the bridge was renovated to a design by the architect Arent van 's-Gravesande from Leiden.

In 1824, a canopy was erected to protect the merchandise. The two canopies in neo-classical style were designed by Salomon van der Paauw, the city architect of Leiden. The canopy contains the coat of arms of Leiden (keys) surrounded by ears of corn. The corn was stored under the roof. The holes in the ceiling served as ventilation.

Since 1968 the object has been listed as a national monument in the Register of Monuments and Historic Buildings. In 1978 the canopies were radically restored. All the columns were replaced and the roof structures were partially renewed. Another type of slate roofing was also added to the roofs.

In March 2007 the bridge was restored because it was affected by wood rot and fungi. In November 2007 the bridge was partially destroyed by students protesting against the 1040-hour standard. The damage amounted to over 17,000 euros.