Plantage neighbourhood

The Plantage neighbourhood in east Amsterdam will be the location for AUC's academic buildings when it first opens its doors to students.

Although just minutes away from Amsterdam's busy city centre and all its shops and services, the Plantage neighbourhood is a peaceful residential area with many stylish neo-classical houses, parks and gardens.

Its layout was determined in the late 17th century, when it was still countryside just outside the city itself, and the city leaders decided they wanted to create a park area -- a ‘plantation', hence plantage -- for leisurely walking, with summer cottages and places for refreshment.

You will notice that many of the street names begin with 'Plantage', reflecting the neighbourhood's history, such as the Plantage Muidergracht and Plantage Middenlaan, where AUC's academic buildings are located.

The expanding city later absorbed the area, and many of its beautiful residences were constructed in the 19th century. But it has retained something of its rural heritage with abundant green areas and a tranquil atmosphere.

The historic Artis zoo, one of the oldest in Europe, was established here in 1838 and still retains its 19th century atmosphere.