Een uitzonderlijk postkantoor: Exploring Michel de Klerk's Landmark Post Office Exhibition at Museum Het Schip

This exhibition at Museum Het Schip highlights the remarkable 1920s post office designed by Michel de Klerk, the only one of its kind still viewable in its original state. It delves into the building's history, its restoration, and its significance as a testament to innovative design by the Dutch PTT and Rijks Post Spaarbank.

Since September 8, 2020, Museum Het Schip has been celebrating a centerpiece of its collection: the post office designed by Michel de Klerk. This building stands as a significant historical monument, unique in the Netherlands as the only post office from the 1920s that remains in its original condition. It exemplifies the attention paid by the Dutch PTT and the Rijks Post Spaarbank to pioneering design in public spaces. Following the permanent departure of postal services in 1999, the post office became part of Museum Het Schip. Extensive color research led to the restoration of its interior from the PTT-green to its original grey-blue. To commemorate the reopening after a large-scale renovation, an exhibition has been curated detailing the captivating history of this exceptional building, featuring drawings by Michel de Klerk. Visitors can experience the stunning Amsterdam School interior and the exhibition through daily guided tours offered by Museum Het Schip. Additionally, thematic tours delve deeper into the post office's story, including 'Treasures of Social Housing' on Saturdays and 'Walk along the architecture and decorative art of Michel de Klerk' on Sundays. This exhibition was made possible by initiatives like 'The Power of Our Dutch Collections' from the Vereniging Rembrandt and the Turing Foundation, and anticipates the permanent exhibition being realized within the post office itself with support from the Stichting Diorahpte.

The post office interior and exhibition can be visited as part of daily guided tours organized by Museum Het Schip. Themed guided tours focusing on specific aspects of the post office and its history are also available weekly. Visitors should refer to the museum's website for specific tour schedules and booking information.