arcam

The tension between the urgent demand for new housing and the need to protect nature is one of the most pressing challenges facing today’s cities. But this dilemma is not new: as early as the 1930s, Amsterdam-West was already experimenting with new ways of living together – socially and green.

One such experiment can be found in the Geuzenhof, a communal courtyard garden in the Geuzenbuurt. Originally designed by renowned garden and landscape architect Mien Ruys, de Geuzenhof is more than an architectural monument. It’s a living example of that still offers lessons today. How can we build for the future – sustainably and socially – without losing our green spaces?

This city tour is led by Gerlinde, data journalist, information designer and above all: a resident of the Geuzenhof. In early 2025, she curated an exhibition about ‘the people of Geuzenhof’ at Arcam (February 6 – April 6). Drawing on her research in the Geuzenbuurt, Gerlinde shares her insights into social greenery and community-building.

During this city walk, you’ll discover how this garden and its surrounding buildings offered an early answer to the question of how urban living and nature can coexist, and how green spaces in the city can continue to evolve. Gerlinde also talks about her own research and search for a definition of social-green for the future, which she translates into the book How Social-Green Are You?

Stroll through the Geuzenbuurt in the footsteps of Mien Ruys, Huibert van Saane, Cornelis van Eesteren, Jakoba Mulder and other pioneers who helped shape the neighbourhood. Take a look inside the Geuzenhof garden, now redeveloped by landscape professionals (Van der Tol, Copijn) while preserving the distinctive signature of Mien Ruys.

Known for its rich social-green history, De Geuzenhof continues to inspire experts and nature lovers alike. In 2025, it played host to Monty Don for his BBC series Rhineland Gardens. Read the full story and watch the episode here.

This tour will be offered once, free of charge, to the public. The date will be announced via the Arcam agenda and newsletter.

All Mijn Stad Tours are also available for group bookings upon request.

Mijn Stad Tour: Gerlinde and the Geuzenhof

Tour duration: 1,5 hours

Meeting point: playground, Geuzenstraat 59

Group rates:

To keep the tours as accessible as possible, we offer two fixed rates:

• Standard rate: €15 per person (minimum group size: 10)
• Cultural rate: €10 per person (minimum group size: 10)

For reservations and pricing information: please contact Sjaan van Tol at sjaan@arcam.nl