Duration 03:02
Published on May 2, 2018
–
The Wilhelminapier on the Kop van Zuid in Rotterdam is not the place to be in the late 1980s. It is a lost place with mainly storage and squatters. But in 25 years, the south bank of the Maas has developed into one of the most beautiful places in the city, with Hotel New York as the eye-catcher. On May 5, 2018 the hotel will be 25 years old. Museum Rotterdam reflects on the rich history of the hotel.
Holland America Line (HAL)
The rich history of the property begins when the port of Rotterdam becomes the departure point for many emigrants and fortune seekers for their move to America. Until the turn of the century, around 500,000 people left to seek their happiness elsewhere. Also in the early 1950s a large stream of emigrants started looking for their happiness elsewhere. After the reconstruction, they see little chance for a life in the Netherlands. On November 8, 1971, the Nieuw Amsterdam II sailed for the last time from the Wilhelminapier to New York. In the years that follow, the historic buildings are abandoned and it is mainly a warehouse, wasteland and squatters see their chance.
Pioneers
In the early 1980s, the HAL management building was sold to a project developer. For Dorine de Vos, Daan van de Have and Hans Loos it was the moment to make their dream come true: a hotel and café with allure in South. These pioneers in the building, the location and the rich history of the property. They are supported by urban planner Riek Bakker. It has further plans for the development of the area around the Wilhelminapier. Hotel New York officially opens its doors on May 5, 1993. The pier is then still difficult to reach. The pier can only be reached via a detour. After the arrival of the Erasmus Bridge in 1996, Zuid is even more easily accessible for cyclists and motorists, and Kop van Zuid has grown into one of the city’s main attractions.
Rich history
In honor of the hotel’s 25th anniversary, Museum Rotterdam has an anniversary exhibition. The museum reflects on the history of the hotel, but also delves deeper into the history. The exhibition starts in 1891 with the construction of the Wilhelminapier. The story of the emigrants is also extensively covered: the people who left for America with the Holland America Line are facing a new future.
Goodbye Netherlands
In the documentary series Goodbye Netherlands MAX follows the trail of Dutch movers from the 1950s. Using personal stories, photos and archive footage, the series tells the history of emigrants to the 4 most popular emigration destinations from the 1950s.
On the broadcast of Hello Netherlands Head of housekeeping Aal and head of technical service Hans talk about 25 years of Hotel New York.
(Source: RTV Rijnmond/Hotel New York/Wikipedia)
–
