DISTRICT CHAIR UNVEILS SPECIAL PIECE OF ART AT THE FORMER TELEGRAAF BUILDING

Amélie Strens, chair of the Centrum district in Amsterdam, unveiled a remarkable work of art last Wednesday: Old News by Ram Katzir. Commissioned by Kroonenberg Groep, the owner of the former Telegraaf building at Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 223–225, Katzir created a truly impressive work of art that does justice to the building’s rich history.

For Old News, Ram Katzir drew inspiration from Hildo Krop’s newspaper boys, who adorn the building’s distinctive tower.  With their elongated upper bodies and large hands, they symbolise listening to and spreading the news. Ram Katzir’s paperboy is perched high above the street, his feet dangling and a reflecting newspaper in his hand.

Whilst Hildo Krop’s paperboys spread the news, Katzir’s paperboy reflects the city of today. In the reflective surface of the newspaper, trams, cyclists, pedestrians and the city itself constantly become part of the artwork.

Positioned on the 5.14-metre-high portico, Old News is literally situated between the building and the city. The pale turquoise patina contrasts with the imposing façade, whilst the relective surface of the newspaper constantly captures new images of the surroundings. The work invites us to reflect on what we hold on to, what we let go of, and how quickly the present becomes history.

Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 223–225 was built between 1928 and 1930 as a printing works for De Telegraaf, designed by Jan Staal and Gerard Langhout. The building is an example of industrial heritage, with open-plan layouts, a direct connection to the street and an imposing façade.

Kroonenberg Groep has owned the building in Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal since 2016. Following the departure of the previous tenant Kasbank, work began on redeveloping the building to establish it as a new landmark in Amsterdam’s historic city centre. The first phase of the redevelopment resulted in 7,300 m² of high-quality office space spread over five floors. The new top floor of the listed building offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Guerrilla Games has been based at this location since 2018. This first phase restored the nationally listed building’s high-ceilinged hall to its former glory. In the second phase, the office space in De Pershal was completed; this is leased by Flexport. Previously, Kroonenberg Groep had commissioned impressive works of art for its developments, such as the sculpture Hendrik Petrus Berlage, 2023 by Xavier Veilhan, which has been installed next to the entrance to the office building at Apollolaan 171, and the artwork Hold The Presses by Streetart Frankey, which adorns the façade of the former Senefelder Printing Works at 56 Admiraal de Ruijterweg.