More than 125 years of De Kroon
The story of Chez van Rijn
Chez van Rijn is the newest chapter of the monumental De Kroon building on Rembrandtplein: a Parisian bistro for Amsterdam, rooted in a family of hospitality venues on and around the square.
The building: De Kroon
Our house was built at the end of the nineteenth century in honour of the coronation of Queen Wilhelmina, and grew into a place where the city gathered: people ate, drank, danced and played chess here, and it housed shops and even local broadcasters. More than 125 years later that layered history is still the soul of the building.
One square, one family of venues
Chez van Rijn grew out of an Amsterdam hospitality family (the Poppes family) that has helped shape Rembrandtplein for decades. It began in 1986 with Escape, still the square's iconic nightclub. Later came grand cafe De Kroon, with dancing until late at weekends, dine and dance venue Heck's overlooking the statue of Rembrandt, and party cafe 't Lammetje near Leidseplein. Every venue stands on its own feet, with its own crowd and its own story.
The new chapter
Early 2026 Chez van Rijn opened: a Parisian bistro, warm and without fuss. The renovation kept the building's characteristic elements; chandeliers, warm carpets and a grand piano bring back the art nouveau grandeur. The menu keeps things simple and good, because why make it complicated when it can be simple? Come see for yourself, or first read what lands on the table.
