Johnny Jordaanplein, also known as Johnny Jordaan Square, is a public square dedicated to the famous Dutch folk singer located in the Jordaan neighborhood of Amsterdam, The Netherlands. It has provided this neighborhood with a place to gather and relax while also being inherently connected to the identity of the entire district, resonating in distinct ways for both residents and visitors.
Popularizing and Representing the Distinctions of Jordaan
Johnny Jordaan was a famous Dutch singer at the turn of the 20th century, becoming well known for his songs about the city of Amsterdam. Growing up on the edge of the Jordaan, which at the time was an impoverished neighborhood in Amsterdam, he popularized the distinct dialect of the neighborhood. The Jordaan neighborhood as a whole became popular due to the exposure that he was able to provide it, changing the culture and identity of the area. His song “Geef mij maar Amsterdam” became the unofficial anthem for citizen of Amsterdam in the 1950s.
An effort to commemorate his contribution to the area began soon after he died in 1989. Money was raised to erect a statue for him as was unveiled in 1991. This statue of Jordaan as well others dedicated to Tante Leen, Johnny Meyer, Manke Nelis and Jan & Mien define the square, which also contains a playground and green space to relax and congregate.
Forming the cultural heart of the surrounding Amsterdam neighborhood, Johnny Jordaanplein epitomizes the identity of the area that Johnny Jordaan showcased to the world, helping to positively change the Jordaan in a way that resonates across the eras.
The Culture of the Modern Jordaan
Residing in the middle of a street that would otherwise be empty space, Johnny Jordaanplein is equal parts transformation and history, both of which are connected to the culture of the modern community. Numerous businesses utilize the legacy that the monument personifies, showcasing what it can mean to connect audiences with the elements that define the past and present of an entire community.
