Welcome to Almere!

In 2021, our city celebrated its 45 years.

Almere is the youngest city of the Netherlands - the first families received their house keys in 1976. 

The city is located near Amsterdam and Utrecht, in the largest made-man polder in the world, the Flevopolder.

In 1979, Almere got its first church, city theatre and public artwork.

The Regenboogbuurt or Rainbow neighbourhood was built in the 90’s. This very colourful neighbourhood was inspired by Bruno Taut’s (1880-1938) architecture, known for its colourful buildings in Berlin.

Also in the 90’s, the city center (Almere Stad) underwent a huge renovation process, coordinated by the Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas (1944-), responsible for the new urban masterplan. Several international architects were involved, such as Christian de Portzampark (1944-), also a winner of the Architecture Pritzker Prize.

Almere's initial design and planning was inspired by the garden city movement that took place in England in the 19th century. Along the years, this concept met new combinations and connections such with Art and  History. In Almere, you find very interesting places to visit that mirror the evolution of this landscape philosophy, such as the Green Cathedral (De Groene Kathedraal), inspired by the French Cathedral of the city of Reims, or the Forest of the Indomitable (De Bos der Onverzettelijken), a National monument dedicated to the Dutch Resistance during World War II.

The most recent architecture, such as the new bridge at the lake Weerwater, also reflects the city’s respect for environmental sustainability.

If you enjoy modern architecture, all around greenery, lakes and canals, Almere is the place to be!

See you soon for a city walking tour!

To Fathom Almere Stad with Sandra 

By Abmi Handayani

And suddenly you just know … It’s time to start something new and trust the magic of new beginnings - Meister Ekhart (c.1260-c.1328)

Have you ever wondered about the origin of the name Almere? I guess I would never know, If I didn’t join the city walking tour organized by Sandra.

After visiting an exhibition about the history of Almere, we headed to the residential area. We passed the iconic apartment building The Wave, designed by the Dutch architect René van Zuuk, who also lives in Almere. Very close to this modern area, Olstgracht. Despite not being a century-old street (Olstgracht dates back from 1980), this canal street and its tranquility really took me back to Leiden, where I studied some years ago. 

From the hidden gem of Olstgracht, we headed to the heart of Almere Stad. The masterplan was designed by a Dutch architecture firm founded by a world famous Dutch architect and urbanist, Rem Koolhaas. I would like to point out how his masterplan brought together brilliant architects from all over the world, spoiling our eyes with lines and geometric features at every corner we turn to. Among the spectacular buildings, my favourite is The Citadel by the French architect Christian de Portzamparc. The facade of his creation fascinated me the most as it gives the sensation of something historic and archaic. 

If you are into architectural design, definitely put Almere Centrum in your visit list!