Gouden Reael

It consists of the current neighborhood Westelijke Eilanden ("Western Islands", i.e. Prinseneiland, Bickerseiland and Realeneiland) plus the Westerdokseiland, Haarlemmerbuurt and Planciusbuurt.

The birth house of Laurens Reael (1583–1637), third Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies, had a golden real on its signpost or gable stone, from which the family took its name.

In 1648, the Reael family, which counted several prominent Amsterdam citizens, built a warehouse on the Zandhoek, again with a golden real gablestone.

Until the end of the 19th century this was an area with many wharfs, little industries and warehouses, related to the shipping trades.

After the second World war the desolated area was discovered by many artists (Jan Sierhuis, Johan van der Keuken, Jef Diederen, Reinier Lucassen, Peter Schat among others), who established their homes and studios in the vacant buildings.