In this first episode of The Heart of the Nieuwmarkt neighbourhood, Irma and Jim talk to Epco Runia, head of collections at Museum Rembrandthuis. They discuss Rembrandt's life in the neighbourhood, his artistic development and what makes this iconic neighbourhood so special - then and now.
Epco Runia
Epco tells how he changed from sceptic to admirer, how visitors get emotional in Rembrandt's studio, and why Rembrandt was actually a true Amsterdammer: stubborn, headstrong and always looking for a new story.
We take you through four centuries of neighbourhood history, meandering past Waterlooplein, the Jordaan and the Oude Schans - and ending on a bench next to Adèle Bloemendaal.
An ode to looking, art and the power of a neighbourhood with character.