Audio Guide Details
- Duration
- 1 hour 15 minutes
- Product Type
- Audio Guide
- Venues
-
- Royal Palace Amsterdam (Town Hall)
- Dam Square
- Rembrandt House
Preview
Architecture and Art of Amsterdam’s Golden Age Audio Guide
Start Tour: Prinsengracht Corner
House with the Heads 2
Oude Kerk 2 - Jan Sweelinck, Amsterdam's Own Orpheus
Photos & Highlights
Audio Guide Description
Amsterdam is renowned for its canal networks and charming medieval city center. It's where the iconic painter Rembrandt, along with numerous other artists, architects, poets, and musicians have left their mark. Join art historian, musician, and Context Travel expert Marko Kassenaar on an audio tour to explore the most significant landmarks from Amsterdam's 17th-century artistic zenith and delve into the stories of the creators behind them.
Starting at the base of the Westerkerk, once the largest Protestant church globally, your journey will take you past the ornate facades of canal houses. You'll visit the Royal Palace at Dam Square, the historic Oude Kerk, and the Rembrandt House Museum, where the artist spent his most successful years.
Marko will also guide you to less celebrated spots, such as a discreet statue of poet Joost van den Vondel and the exquisite Bartolotti House Museum. He'll recount tales of composer Jan Sweelinck and explain how street lighting transformed Amsterdam's nightlife. The audio tour concludes with a stroll along the Herengracht's prestigious Golden Bend.
On this 75-minute walk, you'll:
- Admire the 'House with the Heads,' designed by Hendrick de Keyser, now the Embassy of the Free Mind.
- Discover how Golden Age architecture drew inspiration from ancient Rome.
- Visit Descartes’ former residence, home to the French philosopher.
- Get an extensive look at the artistic heritage of the Golden Age.
- Understand how Amsterdam's liberal ethos shaped its culture and art during this period.
- Explore sites pivotal to Rembrandt’s life, including the Zuiderkerk.
- Uncover tales of the canal houses and their intriguing residents.
By the end of the audio tour, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of the artistic legacy of Amsterdam's Golden Age, appreciating how these creators have imbued the city with enduring beauty.
This tour is enhanced with stunning visuals of renowned artworks and accompanied by authentic music from the era.
Meet Your Expert
Marko's specialties are music, history, and the art history of The Netherlands. He was a VIP-guide, lecturer, and writer for the Rijksmuseum for 14 years and appeared in various art programs on TV and radio. He has also published several books on the art history of Amsterdam and its museums. Marko holds a Masters Degree in classical music and gave numerous musical lectures and introductions in the Royal Concertgebouw. He also was a choral conductor and theatre docent at the cultural department of the University of Amsterdam.
How do I access the audio guide and download it for offline use?
Once you complete your purchase, you will receive a voucher code for your Audio Guide. You must download the Voicemap app and enter the code.
- Install VoiceMap from the Apple App Store or Google Play
- Create an account
- Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
- Enter your Voucher Code
- Select Download Now
Is closed captioning (i.e. subtitles) available?
Yes! All of our audio guides have the option to turn on closed captioning should you have difficulty hearing the expert.
How long does each event last?
Our recorded audio guides typically run for 75 minutes.
How can I share this audio guide with friends or family?
You are welcome to listen together with friends or family, but each person listening to the guide on their own device will need to purchase the audio guide individually.
How long does my access to the audio guide last?
Once you purchase an audio guide, you are welcome to listen to it as many times as you would like. Your access to a purchased audio guide does not expire.
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
Sales for recorded audio guides are final upon purchase. Please contact us at info@contexttravel.com if you have any questions or concerns about your purchase.
Can I purchase a gift card for a friend who is traveling?
Absolutely! Gift cards can be purchased here. Gift cards are good for 365 days from the date of purchase.
