Maison Descartes
Maison Descartes is coming back to life
The historic Walenweeshuis on the Vijzelgracht, better known as Maison Descartes, is undergoing a comprehensive renovation. This iconic building is being carefully restored and made more sustainable, while preserving its historic features. The renewed concept combines a flexible office layout with publicly accessible spaces, giving the building a vibrant new role within the city. With respect for the past and a clear vision for the future, Maison Descartes is once again becoming a place of meaning: accessible, sustainable and closely connected to the neighbourhood.
A place where connection comes to life again.
The future of connection
In the redevelopment of Maison Descartes, connection is key. The historic building will become a place where people can meet. By creating space for this, a mix of functions and perspectives will emerge not a closed-off site, but an open and inviting house. A sustainable future built on connection and social relevance.
The story of Maison Descartes
The main building, originally constructed in 1669, provided shelter for children who were not admitted to regular orphanages. Over the years, the complex was expanded with a girls’ wing, a boys’ wing, and later a school building in the garden. In 1968, the property was acquired by a new owner: the French state. The building became home to the French consulate and the Institut Français. Historical features such as the ornamented façades, high ceilings, and staircases will be preserved in the redevelopment.
• Gross floor area: 5.000 m²
• Historic listed building in central Amsterdam
