Waag

Historical Origins

Built in 1488 as Sint Antoniespoort, the Waag formed part of Amsterdam's medieval defensive walls along the Zeedijk. This gate marked the city's eastern boundary until expansions in the 16th century incorporated the Lastage area, rendering its defensive role obsolete. The structure's plaque commemorates the laying of its first stone on 28 April 1488, affirming its status as the oldest non-religious edifice in Amsterdam.

Transformation into Weigh House

In 1617-1618, the gate was rebuilt as a weigh house to alleviate overcrowding at the Dam Square Waag. Large double doors and awnings were added for scales that weighed consumer goods, anchors, and artillery from nearby shipyards. The Nieuwmarkt square emerged from covering adjacent canals, positioning the Waag centrally for markets. It ceased weighing operations in 1819 with the last indigo chest.

Guilds and Anatomy Theatre

Upper floors hosted guilds of smiths, painters, masons, and surgeons. The surgeons' guild established the Theatrum Anatomicum in 1690-1691, an octagonal domed hall for anatomy lessons on criminals' corpses during winter. Rembrandt's 1632 masterpiece, 'The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp,' depicts a session here, commissioned for the guildhall. The central tower was added in 1691.

19th and 20th Century Uses

Post-weigh house, it functioned as a fencing hall, cholera commission, furniture workshop, fire station (1874-1888), city archives until 1914, and museums from 1926, including the Amsterdam Historical Museum and Jewish Historical Museum. After restoration in 1996, Waag Society occupies upper floors for art, science, and technology initiatives.

Modern Dining at In de Waag

Ground floor Restaurant-Café In de Waag offers French-Dutch fusion with seasonal sharing plates, vegetarian options, and drinks in historic spaces. Enjoy terrace views of lively Nieuwmarkt, candlelit interiors evoking the past, or private events. Open daily for lunch and dinner, it provides an accessible portal to Amsterdam's layered history.