Landmark
Magna Plaza
A grand former post office behind the Royal Palace, now a shopping centre.
Photo: Magna Plaza / Google
- Area
- Centrum (Old Centre)
- Type
- Landmark
About the experience
Magna Plaza is a landmark in the old centre. A grand former post office behind the Royal Palace, now a shopping centre.
Good to know
Designed by architect Cornelis Hendrik Peters, Magna Plaza combines neo-Gothic and neo-Renaissance influences in a richly decorated exterior. Look up at the towers, arched windows and contrasting brick and stone details: the building rewards a slower look rather than a quick photograph. Its elaborate architecture reflects the civic importance once attached to postal services. Even among the monumental buildings around Dam Square, it has a distinctive silhouette that makes it easy to recognise.
Inside, the main architectural attraction is the tall central hall, with galleries and arcades drawing your eye upwards towards the glazed roof. It is worth looking beyond the shopfronts to appreciate the building’s scale and decorative structure. On a neighbourhood walk, pair it with the Nieuwe Kerk and Dam Square, then head towards the Singel for a change of atmosphere. Despite the neighbourhood description above, Magna Plaza stands west of Dam Square, not in De Wallen.
Photo gallery
Photo: Carlos Alberto do Amaral / Google · Photo: rizk el harras / Google · Photo: Carlos Alberto do Amaral / Google · Photo: Lucas mak van waay / Google · Photo: Juan Carlos Martín / Google
Frequently asked questions
Where is the entrance to Magna Plaza?
The main entrance is on Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal, opposite the rear of the Royal Palace. Look for the ornate brick façade and towers.
Do I need a ticket to visit?
Magna Plaza operates as a shopping centre rather than a ticketed museum. Check the official website for current visitor information and any charges for individual activities.
When can I go inside?
Check the official website for current opening hours before setting out. Access to individual businesses may differ from access to the building.
Is it worth visiting if I do not want to shop?
Yes, the architecture is a reason to stop in its own right. If the interior is accessible, the central hall and galleries offer a different perspective from the street.
What can I combine it with nearby?
The Royal Palace, Nieuwe Kerk and Dam Square are close by. You can also continue towards the Singel and the canal belt for a longer walk.
Magna Plaza, Amsterdam
Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 182I, 1012 SJ, Amsterdam