Royal Palace Amsterdam The Royal Palace was designed by the architect Jacob van Campen to serve as the Town Hall of Amsterdam. It was built in the period from 1648 to 1665 and stands in Dam Square, in the heart of the city. The architecture is in the Dutch Classicist style: the building is symmetrical around a central axis and features classical columns. The artworks and sculptures, both interior and exterior, symbolize good governance, justice and commerce. In 1808, two years after taking the throne of Holland, King Louis Napoleon turned the building into a palace. It is still in use as a palace today and is open to the public most of the year! http://www.facebook.com/paleisamsterdam