Built: 1995 Type: Skyscraper Stories: 35 Maximum Height: 492 feet / 150 meters Location: Along the Amstel River toward Schipol airport, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
I n a city known for its cramped living conditions and reverence for the architecture of the past, the Rembrandttower is a modern marvel in diminutive company. A thoroughly modern skyscraper, it rises at the edge of the city close enough to be convenient, yet far enough away not to offend any cultural sensibilities. Amsterdam has not embraced modern buildings the way Rotterdam has. This is due, in part, to the fact that Rotterdam, with its seaport, harbors a much more cosmopolitan atmosphere. It should also be noted that after the second World War Rotterdam had a lot of rebuilding to do and seized the opportunity. The Rembrandttower is actually one in a planned three-tower project. The Rembrandttower is the tallest of them at 150 meters, including its spire. The second and third buildings will be called the Breitnertower and the Mondraantower and will have heights of 115 meters and 95 meters respectively. Architecturally, it is not that different from hundreds of other office buildings that have come before it. But its presence in an area renowned for the historic character of its buildings makes this tower stand out.
11 March, 2002 - A man armed with a pistol, a machine gun, and a bomb takes 18 people hostage inside the tower. He is upset about the way movies look on widescreen televisions made by Philips. He forces his hostages to make signs calling the head of Philips a liar, and hold them to the window. He is apparently unaware that Philips moved out of Rembrandttower a long time ago. He goes into a bathroom and kills himself.
