Olympic Stadium Amsterdam

On the west side of the city, the Olympic Stadium, designed by Jan Wils for the Olympic Games, was built in 1928. It was here that the Olympic flame was lit for the first time—a tradition that has endured ever since.

During World War II, the stadium served as a hiding place under the stands, a storage facility for stolen bicycles, and a venue for sporting events and propaganda events. The German army also used the stadium for drills.

Immediately after the liberation, large-scale commemorative games were held here, including The Drama of Occupation and The Game of Liberation, with thousands of participants and spectators. In 1947, the statue of Prometheus was unveiled as a monument to fallen athletes.

After threatened demolition in the 1990s, the stadium was saved and thoroughly restored with public support. Today, it is a vibrant center for sports, culture, and historical experiences.

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Source

• Text: TracesofWar
• Photos: TracesofWar
• Amsterdams Archief, 5191 Archief van de Secretarie; Afdeling Onderwijs en rechtsvoorganger