Every prominent city has a symbol that reflects its identity. For Amsterdam, it’s the iconic “I Amsterdam” sign. These letters, standing tall and proud, have become a major tourist magnet, attracting thousands of visitors daily. In this article, we will tell you the current locations, and the reasons behind its movements.
Where Do You Find IAmsterdam Sign?
So the initial location of iamsterdam was the Museumplein but it was moved away from those places. Now it can be found in two places;
1. Schiphol Airport
2. Sloterplaas Lake
The Initial Location: Museumplein:
For more than ten years, the “I Amsterdam” sign stood proudly on Museumplein, south of Amsterdam. Its prime location in front of the Rijksmuseum and near the Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk Museum made it a must-visit spot for tourists. The sign was incredibly popular, with around 6,000 selfies taken in front of it every day.
Why Was the “IAmsterdam” Sign Removed from Museumplein?
As the sign’s popularity grew, so did concerns about overcrowding and the impact of mass tourism on the city’s infrastructure. These concerns led to the removal of the sign from Museumplein in 2018. The idea was proposed by Femke Roosma, a city councillor from the left-wing GroenLinks party. Roosma argued that the sign was promoting individualism and reducing the city to a mere backdrop in a marketing story. The municipality agreed with this viewpoint, and the sign was removed in December 2018.
Current Locations of the “I Amsterdam” Sign:
While the original letters were removed from Museumplein, they were not discarded. Instead, they have been relocated and installed in different parts of the city, serving the same purpose yet in a more distributed manner.
1. Schiphol Airpot:
The most easily accessible set of “I Amsterdam” letters can be found at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, placed just outside Arrivals. This strategic placement serves as a warm welcome to travelers, inviting them to begin their Amsterdam journey with a memorable snapshot.
2. Sloterplas Lake:
Another location of the “I Amsterdam” sign is Sloterplas Lake in Amsterdam’s West. However, this version is slightly different. While the letters spelling “I am dam” stand upright, the characters forming “ster” lie flat. This makes it a great spot for a picnic, but perhaps not as perfect for the classic photo opportunity.
3. The Travelling Set:
The original Museumplein set of letters didn’t retire but instead embarked on a journey. They now appear at various events and festivals throughout the city and the surrounding region, spotlighting lesser-known neighborhoods and attractions. This set’s exact location varies, so it’s advisable to check social media updates or the official IAmsterdam website for real-time information.
Final Thoughts:
The “I Amsterdam” sign, despite its movements and controversies, remains an iconic symbol of the city. It continues to attract thousands of tourists and locals alike, serving as a reminder of Amsterdam’s unique spirit and identity. So, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, don’t miss out on the opportunity to snap a picture with this iconic sign during your Amsterdam journey.
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