© 2006 Shannon McAllister, licensed to About.com
Museumplein
2) Museumplein - Amsterdam's Most Convenient Park
- Location: Museum Quarter (Oud Zuid) neighborhood.
- Tram lines: 2, 3, 5, 12, 16 or 24.
- Features:
- Dominated by an expanse of grass bordered by the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum (currently under renovation and located behind Centraal Station).
- North area includes a reflecting pool (ice-skating rink in winter), food vendors (seasonal), museum shops, a full-service restaurant (Cobra Café), a basketball court and a skating half pipe.
- Attracts mostly museum-going visitors and neighborhood locals (yours truly!).
- Ideal for picnicking, rollerblading/skateboarding (on half pipe), sports (frisbee, soccer, basketball…I've even seen cricket!) and generally lounging.
- Striking view of the Rijksmuseum makes this a favorite visitor photo spot.
- Host to outdoor concerts on Queen's Day (April 30) and the Remembrance Days (May 4-5), as well as during various festivals.
- Southeast area of the park features two WWII memorials: the Ravensbrück Monument, which commemorates the women prisoners of the Nazi concentration camp of the same name; and the Gypsy Monument, which honors the Roma and Sinti (a more acceptable name for this ethnic group) victims of the war.
- Dominated by an expanse of grass bordered by the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum (currently under renovation and located behind Centraal Station).