Amsterdam Westerpark And Oud-West

Museum Het Schip, Spaarndammerplantsoen 140 (☎041 828 85; www.hetschip.nl), As Amsterdam expanded at the turn of the 20th century, its workers lived in increasingly cramped and squalid conditions. Socialist movements led to laws regulating housing (requiring, for example, that apartments have windows) and to the construction of affordable, higher-quality living spaces. Het Schip (“The Ship”) was one such housing project, built in 1919 and designed by Michel de Klerk. Its unusual design makes it a leading example of the Amsterdam School, an expressionist movement in architecture and design. You can get a feel for the characteristics of the Amsterdam School just by walking around the large building: notice the unusual curves inspired by organic shapes, the creative use of different kinds of brick and roof tiles, and the intricate sculptural decorations lurking in various corners. A visit to the museum, however, is worth the extra time, as it provides you with the opportunity to explore inside the remarkable post office nestled in one corner as well Tram #3 to Haarlemmerplein. Walk across the canal toward Westerpark, up Spaarndammerstraat, and left onto Zaanstraat; the building will be a few blocks down the street. €7.50, students €5, with Museumjaarkaart free. Open Tu-Su 11am-5pm. Tours every hr. 11am-4pm. Does not take credit cards. Wheelchair access.
Westerpark, The park that gives the neighborhood its name is small but worth a visit on a sunny day. Along the Haarlemmerweg grassy slopes roll down to the water and invite lounging; dirt paths around the park are great for biking, walking, or jogging. In the middle, a duck-filled pond accompanied by some very curious statues, including a headless woman in fancy dress, presides. Towards the northeastern corner is a playground filled with happy kiddies. Tram #10 to Van Limburg Stirumstraat. Walk up V. L. Stirumstraat, cross the Haarlemmerweg, and enter the park on the right. Main entrance on Spaarndammerstraat, across from the Naussauplein (buses #22 and 348). Free. Wheelchair access. Has outdoor seating.
Westergasfabriek, Pazzanistraat 41 (☎058 607 10; www.westergasfabriek.nl), A “cultural park” right next to the traditional verdant kind. Westergasfabriek was originally a 19th-century gasworks, but its abandonment after the discovery of natural gas in the northern part of the Netherlands left its infrastructure available for other uses in the 1960s. Westergasfabriek's buildings, most designed by Isaac Goschalk, form an imposing brick cluster in the Dutch Renaissance style. Spaces are open to any and all cultural projects, and currently house art studios and galleries, restaurants, theaters, and nightclubs. Some buildings are also available to rent for events. Check the website for a list of current programs; recent ones have included an Asian film festival and the so-called “Funky Spring Market.” Just east of Westerpark. Tram #10 to Van Hallstraat. Cross the bridge and make a right to get to the main cluster of buildings. Wheelchair access. Serves alcohol. Has outdoor seating.