The former City Hall of Dordrecht in the South Holland city of Dordrecht dates from 1383-1388. It was originally a market hall converted into a city hall in 1544. It functioned as such until 1975. Its current neo-classical appearance is the result of a 19th-century conversion designed by city architect George Nicolaas Itz. The building is a national monument.
It was originally built as a cloth hall for Flemish merchants. This 'Flemish hall' was probably also used as a meat hall. In 1544, the hall was converted into a town hall. In 1679, the entrance was moved from the Groenmarkt to the newly constructed square (today's Town Hall Square). In the years 1834-1841, the city hall was given a neo-classical appearance designed by city architect George Nicolaas Itz. Behind the new facade, the originally Gothic building is still largely present, including the original roof and cellars. During the last restoration, remnants of the Gothic facade were found at the back of the city hall, which were subsequently left in view.
The bells hanging in the building were made by Pieter van Dormer en Sloterdijck in 1449 and later some by Gregorius Waghevens in 1514. The lions next to the entrance were cast by Iron Foundry L.J. Enthoven and Co, 's-Gravenhage 1841.
As a child, there was already a predilection for visual art. As a technician, I was always creative in products, services and working methods. In later years, more time was taken for my art (photography) passion... Read more…