Grachtengordel in Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands — Northwestern Europe

Hofje van Brienen

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, July 7, 2024

1. Hofje van Brienen Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Het Hofje van Brienen werd in opdracht van Aernout Jan van Brienen, heer van de Groote Lindt, Dortsmond en Stad aan het Haringvliet en zijn echtgenote Sophia Maria Half-Wassenaer ontworpen door de Amsterdamse stadsbouwmeester Abraham van der Hart. Met de bouw werd aangevangen in 1804. De eerste bewoners namen hun intrek in 1806. Oorspronkelijk was het hofje het persoonlijk eigendom van de familie Van Brienen. In 1841 werd de Stichting Brienens Gesticht De Star eigenares. In de naam van de stichting leeft ook de naam voort van de bierorouwerij De Star die destijds op deze plek gevestigd was De gronden en gebouwen van het Hofje van Brienen zijn sedert 1995 eigendom van Woningbouwvereniging Het Oosten.

(English translation:)
The Hofje van Brienen was designed by the Amsterdam city architect Abraham van der Hart on behalf of Aernout Jan van Brienen, Lord of Groote Lindt, Dortsmond and City on the Haringvliet and his wife Sophia Maria Half-Wassenaer. Construction began in 1804. The first residents moved in in 1806. The Hofje was originally the personal property of the Van Brienen family. In 1841, the Brienens Gesticht De Star Foundation became the owner. The name of the De Star brewery that was located here at the time also lives

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on in the name of the foundation. The grounds and buildings of the Hofje van Brienen have been owned by the Het Oosten Housing Association since 1995.

Erected by ANWB, VVV, Zimmermanfonds. (Marker Number 64312/01.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Charity & Public Work. A significant historical year for this entry is 1804.

Location. 52° 22.715′ N, 4° 53.22′ E. Marker is in Amsterdam, Noord-Holland (North Holland). It is in Grachtengordel. It is on Prinsengracht. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Prinsengracht 85, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland 1015 DS, Netherlands. Touch for directions.

Regionally, it is in Europe,

the European Union,

Atlantic Europe,

the Benelux Low Countries,

the Schengen Area,

Western Europe,

and the Western World.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire

and specifically also the Holy Roman Empire.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Noorderkerk (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); Februaristaking / February Strike (about 120 meters away); Israël Querido (about 240 meters away); Comenius (approx. 0.2 kilometers away); De Gangen van de Willemsstraat / The Alleyways of Willemsstraat (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Willem Arondéus (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Réné Descartes (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Dominicuskerk / Dominican Church (approx. half a kilometer away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Amsterdam.

Regarding Hofje van Brienen. A “hofje” is a form of social housing, usually intended for the disadvantaged.

Also see . . . Hofje van Brienen (Gemeente Amsterdam Stadsarchief, in Dutch). From the introduction to the Amsterdam

Hofje van Brienen Marker - wide view image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, July 7, 2024

2. Hofje van Brienen Marker - wide view

Municipal Archives’ holdings for the Hofje van Brienen. Includes several pictures.

Excerpt: Amsterdam has a rich tradition of hofjes. Wealthy Amsterdammers have founded various hofjes over time, often intended as homes for older Amsterdammers. One example is the 'Van Brienens Hofje De Star' on the Prinsengracht, founded in 1804. The extensive archive of this hofje was recently inventoried.

The hofje was founded by the wealthy merchant Arnout Jan van Brienen. Van Brienen was active in the hemp and tar trade and insurance, among other things. In 1797, he bought the De Star brewery and various buildings on the Prinsengracht at an auction. City architect Abraham van der Hart was commissioned to build the hofje on that site.

(Submitted on August 10, 2024.)

Hofje van Brienen Marker - wider view image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, July 7, 2024

3. Hofje van Brienen Marker - wider view

Hofje van Brienen and Marker (as seen from across the canal) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, July 7, 2024

4. Hofje van Brienen and Marker (as seen from across the canal)

Dedication/Donor plaque from 1804 above the main entrance image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, July 7, 2024

5. Dedication/Donor plaque from 1804 above the main entrance

Credits. This page was last revised on August 10, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 10, 2024, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 140 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 10, 2024, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.