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Westerstraat
Living in poverty in a backstreet quarter.
The vibrant atmosphere for which the Jordaan district of Amsterdam is known conceals a rather darker past. In the 19th century the narrow alleyway between these buildings led to one of the many ‘backstreet quarters’: overpopulated rear courtyards where penniless working-class families lived in slums. These were cramped, run-down and dirty places to live. In around 1900, no fewer than nine families lived on Pottenbakkersgang (Potters’ Alley) in dreadful conditions. These slum dwellings now show what life was like in Jordaan through the centuries. With a post office, Turkish boarding house and bar in the Westerstraat houses. You can also find out about the comings and goings of people from all corners of the globe. The film portraits on the first floor provide more information on this subject.
Relocated here in 2012. Slum dwellings from ca. 1670, front buildings from 1870/80.