Neude Library

The former Main post office on Neude square is one of Utrecht’s most iconic buildings and a nationally listed landmark. In the old days, post office customers only ever got to see the vast central hall. The rest of the building was staff-only. Since the opening of the library in 2020, the whole building is open to the public. It’s both a haven and a hotspot for citizens of Utrecht and visitors from all over to call their own. The library occupies a location with a rich history. From 1397 to 1647 it was home to the nuns of St. Cecilia’s. Later, it was the site of the Dutch Mint. Little wonder that archaeological research has found all sorts of coins and other objects. Excavations even turned up a coin people used to make daily purchases around 1750. The present building dates from 1924 and was designed by Joseph Crouwel in the Amsterdam School style.

Old post office

The building has many notable features. On the exterior these include animal head spouts perched high above the front facade. The large, high-ceilinged hall is the heart of the building. Along the walls are several meters tall bluestone statues representing the world’s continents, designed by Hendrik van den Eijnde. Van den Eijnde also designed the glazed bricks in the shape of alighting carrier pigeons. These artistic touches earned the building the nickname of ‘Temple for Post and Telegraphy’.