Handboogdoelen, Amsterdam

The Handboogdoelen in 2008, seen from across the Singel canal
Detail of the front facade showing the coats of arms of the civic guard and those of four overlieden (directors) of the civic guard, including Frans Banning Cocq
The gate at the back of the Handboogdoelen, on Handboogstraat
17th-century depiction of Singel canal showing (left to right) the Handboogdoelen, Bushuis and Voetboogdoelen

The Handboogdoelen ("longbowmen's shooting range") is a building on the Singel canal in Amsterdam, near Koningsplein square. It dates back to the early 16th century and originally served as headquarters and shooting range of the local schutterij (civic guard). Most of the current building at Singel 421 dates to the 18th century and is part of the main complex of the Amsterdam University Library. The Doelenzaal hall on the ground floor of the building (not to be confused with the Doelenzaal on Kloveniersburgwal canal) is used for lectures, meetings, receptions and doctoral dissertations. The building has rijksmonument status.[1]

  1. ^ "Singel 421, Amsterdam", Monumenten.nl (Dutch, archived)