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MAG Utrecht — Mar/Apr 2020
THROWBACK
Photography L.H. Hofland/ Het Utrechts Archief
Communications The huge building on Neude square is simply impossible to miss. It’s the former main post office of Utrecht, designed in 1921 by architect Joseph Crouwel. The start of the construction, which took three years, raised a lot of dust: a whole block of houses and even a medieval monastery had to be taken down. Some people even refused to leave their house for this ‘outrage of modernisation’. The building was used as the central point of communication in the city, where all the machinery for telegraphy and telephony was installed. Inside, customers could use phone boots, buy stamps or send letters and packages. Postmen were important people in this era, so the main hall exudes that importance: it looks like a giant ballroom with imposing statues looking down on you. But times have changed. These days, you can communicate with your friends on the other side of the world without the help of a postman. As a result, the post office closed its doors in 2011. Luckily, you will have the chance to peek inside again from 13 March, when the Central Library will open its doors. So don’t hesitate to admire the impressive main hall while you read a magazine, find a quiet space to handle your email or meet friends in one of the restaurants. > In collaboration with Het Utrechts Archief. Visit them at Hamburgerstraat 38 hetutrechtsarchief.nl/english
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