Today, on Boxing Day, Bo and I went to De Botermarkt 1675 for VR – a pilot project in Amsterdam – and it was great fun. Perhaps precisely because it was such a typical Christmas Day: Amsterdam was aglow with lights, crowds of people, sounds, and a lively atmosphere everywhere. Busy and loud outside, but surprisingly peaceful and special inside.
And it was precisely this contrast that made the experience all the more beautiful.
Fifteen minutes of pure wonder
The reception was polite and relaxed, the explanation clear and calm. And then it began.
They put on the VR glasses and travel together to Amsterdam in the year 350. They stand in the Botermarkt of 1675 – today's Rembrandtplein – but let's be honest: it's completely unrecognizable.
Where today you see terraces, neon lights and bustling activity, here you stroll past stalls, listen to voices and market sounds, and move through a vibrant space full of commerce and encounters. Not just watching, but discovering together.
The experience currently lasts about fifteen minutes, as it's a pilot episode. And those fifteen minutes fly by. Just when you think, "Oh, I'd like to stay a little longer...", it's already over. It's a shame it didn't last longer.
Pilot, but already impressive
It's good to know that this is a pilot episode. The final version will be about half an hour long and part of a larger museum concept. But even in this short form, it's impressive.
It's clear that a lot of care and attention to detail went into this. The combination of history and technology never feels forced, but always logical and well-thought-out.
Why this is such a great trip
What we liked about it:
You experience it together, not each in your own world.
No VR experience is required.
It is suitable for young and old (from 8 years old).
and it fits perfectly with a day in Amsterdam
For Amsterdammers, history buffs, but also as a surprising excursion tip if you simply want to spend a nice day in the city.
Third Day of Christmas in the city
After the VR experience, we strolled through Amsterdam towards Zeedijk. We went into the city, looked around, and felt its vibrancy. Afterwards, we enjoyed a delicious meal before returning to Uitgeest.
A day where everything just fits together perfectly: culture, city, food, and the return home.
Quick tip: Take the train. The Nieuwe Kerk is just a short walk from the main train station, and that's really the easiest way to get there. No parking hassles, just get off and you're there.
Practical
The Butter Market 1675 in VR (pilot project)
Location: The New Church on Dam Square, Eggert Hall – Eggertstraat 8, Amsterdam
Age: 8 years and up
Duration: approx. 15 minutes
Please note: This is the last month of the pilot project.
🎟️ Tickets + €5 discount
You can get a €5 discount per ticket via the link below:
Tickets and further information can be found on the ticket page of ENTR – De Botermarkt 1675 in VR.
Finally
Some excursions are hard to describe – you simply have to experience them yourself.
This is one of them.
To imagine walking together through Amsterdam 350 years ago, marveling at how different everything was, and then standing outside again in busy, modern Amsterdam... this contrast is beautiful.
We found it to be a very nice, surprising trip.
And if this is a taste of what's to come, then Amsterdam is in for something very special.