THE DUTCH COLLEGE

The committee created by Dr Loudon, the Dutch ambassador to Paris, in 1926 was the driving force behind the project to construct a Dutch house. The committee raised the necessary funds and construction began in 1928. Abraham Preyer, an American gentleman originally from the Netherlands, made a very generous donation in memory of his son Arthur who was killed in battle in France on 18 August 1918. Work was temporarily abandoned between 1933 and 1937 because of the difficult economic times. Construction was finally finished thanks to the financial contributions of both France and the Netherlands, and the building opened its doors on 2 December 1938 in a ceremony led by Princess Juliana and Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands. 

The Dutch College is considered one of the masterpieces of architecture in the Cité internationale. It is the only building in France designed by Willem Marinus Dudok, one of the leading architects from the Dutch school of the 1920s and 30s. Its persistent use of right angles, its overlapping geometric shapes and the spare use of decorative elements embody the modern architectural ideas of the 1920s. Yet some parts of the construction clearly harken back to more traditional Dutch culture. The corner turrets are inspired by the medieval belfries found in villages in the north of the Netherlands. Inside, the building is organised around an inner patio that serves as a light well. The welcoming atmosphere here contrasts with the more austere exterior. The impressive murals in the Great Hall were painted by Hordjik and Doevel. 

The Dutch College was originally intended to house 100 Dutch, Indonesian and French students. Over the years, some of the common areas were converted to additional rooms. These changes along with the replacement of much of the woodwork have altered the original building. Hervé Baptiste, chief architect of historical monuments, and a Franco-Dutch scientific team will be given the task of restoring the building to its former glory. Restoration work will begin in 2010 with the joint goals of improving the living conditions for residents and returning the building to its original splendour; it will reopen its doors in 2012.