This pint-sized statue located beside the Oude Kerk in the center of Amsterdam's Red Light District was erected in honor of the millions of people throughout Amsterdam (and the world) who work in the sex trade, willingly or not. The statue was commissioned by the Prostitute Information Center's founder and operator Mariska Majoor, and was unveiled in March 2007 as part of the Red Light District's Second Open Day. Belle is the work of Dutch artist Els Rijerse and is made of steel reinforced bronze on top of a granite plinth.
Castrum Peregrini could be described as a center of cultural exchange in Amsterdam. It is a platform where artists, philosophers and other thinking citizens meet to deliberate on issues related to the socio-cultural scenario. It also is a popular venue for many cultural events, exhibitions, conventions and conferences. Whatever time of the year, this place dazzles with ideas, events and art.
The Monument Indie Nederland was built as a mausoleum of General JB van Heutsz who was a reputed officer of the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army. It was known as the het van Heutsz monument. The monument has been restored after violent attacks on it and today stands as a symbol of the influence of Netherlands over Indonesia. Both sides of the attraction are painted in different colors to depict the two countries.
Bibliotheca Philosophica Hermetica is found on the bustling Bloemstraat street. Established by Joost Ritman in the year 1984, the library does not remain affiliated to any other public library or organization. It contains a large compilation of printed material and manuscripts associated with Hermeticism, particularly focusing on Christian-Hermetic institution. The library contains over 23,000 editions on Alchemy, Rosicrucianism, Esotericism, Gnosis and associated areas of interest.
The Rijksmuseum Research Library is the biggest public library located in the Netherlands. Being a part of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, the library is specifically devoted to art history research. The library is equipped with a reading room and also a study room. Numerous catalogues related to auctions and exhibitions collected and preserved since 1885. Check the website for more information.