A LONG HISTORY, IN SHORT.

Our home is in two monumental churches that we have re-designed to meet the standards of today's travellers and involved locals. These churches each have their own history, dating back over a century. For now, we'll give you the short versions. History buffs can find longer versions on the Dutch Wikipedia, here and here.

ST. RITAKERK, AMSTERDAM

The Roman-Catholic St. Ritakerk was built in 1921. As Anne Frank described in her diary, the church was bombed by allied forces in 1943.

After the war it was rebuilt with a bigger tower and longer hall, but eventually it lost its religious function. From 1972 onwards it served as offices for Universal Studios and a local branch of the municipal library. 

BUNK will honour the church's history by erecting an open-air monument to commemorate the bombing and by rebuilding a library that welcomes guests from near and far.

WESTERKERK, UTRECHT
Around Utrecht's Dom Tower there used to be churches to the north, the west, the east and the south. Literally! The Westerkerk was one of four Reformed Protestant churches that the city named after a cardinal direction.

The Westerkerk opened in 1893. And as late as January 2018 it was the last of these churches to hold a holy mass. When its doors reopen as BUNK Utrecht, we'll make sure its world-renowned Quellhorst-organ keeps on playing.

But instead of early Sunday morning masses we'll organize evening concerts. Soon, even night owls can fully appreciate the massive sound of this majestic instrument, which has been officially recognized as National Heritage.