Allard Pierson : The Collections of the University of Amsterdam
Owner Id00028992
TypeCorporate body
GenderUnknown
Biographical dates - Period of existence1400-present
Other InformationThe history of the heritage collections of the Allard Pierson dates back to the establishment of a Church and City Library around 1400. During the construction of the New Church at the Dam Square, there was a sacristy of this church from the outset in an extension, the place where the liturgical clothing for the clergy was kept, as well as the golden and silver objects necessary for worship. Via a spiral staircase, one could reach the library space directly above from the sacristy. The books kept there—initially only handwritten books, later also printed books—contained almost exclusively texts in Latin and Greek. They were intended for the clergy and the learned citizens of the city. The book collection was enriched by purchases and especially donations.
In 1632 the City Library became the library of the Athenaeum Illustre, the institute for higher education which was elevated to University status in 1877. Since 2007 the Special Collections of the University Library were housed in a seperated building. In 2018 the Special Collections joined with the Allard Pierson Museum and the name became 'Allard Pierson : The Collections of the University of Amsterdam'.
For the early history of the library see: Jos A.A.M. Biemans, 'Boeken voor de geleerde burgerij. De stadsbibliotheek van Amsterdam tot 1632'. Nijmegen, 2019.
Variant NamesUniversity Library Amsterdam
Amsterdam, Special Collections
Amsterdam, Universiteitsbibliotheek
Amsterdam, Bijzondere Collecties
Allard Pierson : De Collecties van de Universiteit van Amsterdam
Activity
Start (year)1400
NoteEstablishment of a Church and City library in the New Church at the Dam Square
MARC Area Codee-ne
PlaceAmsterdam (Geonames Id: 2759794)
Profession / Type of InstitutionLibrary
CharacterisationReligious
Activity
Start (year)1578
NoteFounding of the City Library in the Nieuwe Kerk
MARC Area Codee-ne
PlaceAmsterdam
Profession / Type of InstitutionLibrary
CharacterisationNo characterisation/lay
Activity
Start (year)1632
NoteThe City Library moved to the attics of the Agnietenkapel at the founding of the Athenaeum Illustre in 1632.
MARC Area Codee-ne
PlaceAmsterdam (Geonames Id: 2759794)
Profession / Type of InstitutionUniversity
CharacterisationNo characterisation/lay
Activity
Start (year)1877
Note The Athenaeum Illustre became the Municipal University and the original City Library became the University Library.
MARC Area Codee-ne
PlaceAmsterdam (Geonames Id: 2759794)
Profession / Type of InstitutionUniversity
CharacterisationNo characterisation/lay
Activity
Start (year)2007
NoteThe Special Collections of the University Library were housed in a separate building.
MARC Area Codee-ne
PlaceAmsterdam (Geonames Id: 2759794)
Profession / Type of InstitutionUniversity
CharacterisationNo characterisation/lay
Activity
Start (year)2018
Note on the geographic regionThe Special Collections joined with the Allard Pierson Museum and the name became 'Allard Pierson : The Collections of the University of Amsterdam'.
PlaceAmsterdam (Geonames Id: 2759794)
Profession / Type of InstitutionUniversity
CharacterisationNo characterisation/lay
Last Edit2024-04-23 09:31:18