Nieuwe Kerk and the 2014 World Press Exhibit

We nearly missed it this year, but we did finally remember to head into the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) on the final day of the World Press Photo Exhibit.

The Nieuwe Kerk is the 15th Century church built on Dam Square next to the Royal Palace, and was used for the investiture of King Willem Alexander and Queen Maxima in 2013.

The investitures of Wilhelmina of the Netherlands, and Juliana of the Netherlands took place here previously. (source)

It creates a remarkably impressive backdrop for what can often be the stark brutality of the World Press Photos.

It is most often these days used to house exhibitions and occasionally organ recitals.

Though there are still famous people buried there, as there are in the Oude Kerk (Old Church) too.

This is the burial vault of Michiel de Ruyter (1607-1676) De Ruyter was laid to rest in the holiest place in the church, where the relics of saints were kept in the Catholic era. The wreath in the red, white, and green of the Hungarian flag on the coffin commemorates De Ruyter’s liberation of 26 Hungarian clergymen in Naples who refused to convert to Catholicism.

This is the Monument to Jan van Galen (1604-1653), who kept a cool head in order to defeat the English off of Livorno. Shortly afterwards he died of his wounds. He is supposed to have said “It is easy to die in a victory for the Fatherland.”

It is a truly spectacular piece of architecture, and a wonderful backdrop for the very moving and emotionally draining World Press Photos.

Of course, just outside in the sunshine, all you can see is football as far as the eyes can see. They truck in the sand and play matches in Dam Square while the World Cup is on! HUP ORANJE! HUP NEDERLANDS!!!

I should probably admit that Himself and I don’t watch the games. But we can certainly tell you the moment Netherlands scores against any opponent! The neighbours all go WILD!