The Nieuwmarkt neighbourhood has a long and turbulent history. Where cafés, small shops and cultural initiatives now flourish, this place was the scene of fierce riots in the 1970s. Activists and local residents fought to preserve their neighbourhood. Frederique, artistic and business director of the Amsterdam Marionette Theatre, talks about those times and the role of the special building in the neighbourhood.

A neighbourhood in revolt

We speak to Frederique (pictured right) in the workshop of the Amsterdam Marionette Theatre. "In the 1970s, the demolition of a large part of the Nieuwmarkt neighbourhood was threatened to make room for a motorway," Frederique explains. "Neighbours and squatters revolted. Here, in our building - the old smithy - actions were plotted. This building played an important role in the protests."

Thanks to the activists' persistence, the highway did not go ahead and the neighbourhood remained largely intact. "The Nieuwmarkt did not have a clear core then, as important buildings were empty, such as De Waag. Only later did the neighbourhood regain a central heart."

From struggle to creativity

Today, the Nieuwmarkt neighbourhood still harbours a strong sense of community and a rich cultural scene. "Many artists have lived here for decades. The open studio routes show that there is still a creative energy."

Yet the neighbourhood has changed. "Where there used to be heroin syringes on the streets, you now mostly see tourists. Fortunately, there are still authentic spots, such as neighbourhood cafes where residents get together." Just recently, Sluyswacht employees Bibi and Mea told Nieuwmarktbuurt.amsterdam about the warm relationship with local residents.

Soon, Frederique's theatre will organise an event on 50 years of Nieuwmarkt riots, bringing together former activists and younger local residents. "It is important that these stories stay alive. The struggles of those days have ensured that we still know this neighbourhood as it is today."

Want to know more about this event? Check out our neighbourhood calendar.