Valeriuskliniek

This building, called the Valeriuskliniek is located on the Valeriusplein in South Amsterdam. It opened on November 3, 1910 for the "care of insane and nerve suffers" in conjunction with the Free University. The clinic grew from a small centre into a hospital, which over the years was home to neurology and neurosurgery departments as well as psychiatry. To accommodate the growing and changing needs, there were many renovations and additions, including a complete renovation between 1937 and 1941, which is when the large stained glass window was installed over the entrance. With 15,200 pieces of glass, the window allowed more light inside.

In the present day, the building is no longer considered suitable for modern psychiatry so it closed on November 18, 2013 and the clinic was moved to a nearby university medical centre.

It has been decided that a new use for the property should be found. I believe that current plans are that the building will become home to the Dutch National Portrait Gallery, including exhibits and programs for people with mental health challenges. It is a very large undertaking and will take about 4 years to renovate the 8000 square metres so that it is suitable for a museum.