Felix Meritis, Amsterdam

摘要

SINCE IT WAS built in 1788, the 'cultuurhuis' Felix Meritis in Amsterdam has been dedicated to Enlightenment ideals, opening its doors to a mix of scientists, artists, entrepreneurs and thinkers. The building was divided into different departments - music, commerce, literature, physics and drawing - but brought all these together under one roof to share ideas and expand their knowledge during this historically fertile period. Over subsequent years the Felix Meritis has been home to other significant groups: it was previously the headquarters of the Dutch communist party (CPN), and in the 1960s it hosted the Shaffy Theatre, congregation point of the Dutch avant-garde centred around artist Ramses Shaffy. The Felix Meritis now offers a cultural programme exploring technology, science and art 'for a curious audience', ever looking to the future as its first occupants did.