The Marie Heineken Square is, in fact, in the shape of a circle. Lined by bars, cafe terraces and restaurants, it is a popular hang out and in the summer monthsitsometimes hosts various events, such as a book market, neighborhood festivals and an open-air cinema. The buildings surrounding it on the north-eastern side house a large supermarket and food vendors.
Originally this area belonged to the Heineken brewery complex. However in 1988, when the brewery went out of operation, most of its facilities were demolished and, in 1993, the square was redeveloped. Naming the square caused a small controversy at the time. Originally it was supposed to be named after Nelson Mandela, but for a number of reasons the plan was abandoned. Zoning laws in the city prevent naming streets after those still living or after a commercial enterprise. As most of the streets in the De Pijp neighborhood are named after famous Dutch painters, the square eventually received the name of the painter Marie Heineken, who lived between 1844 and 1930 and was the niece of the brewery founder Gerard Adriaan Heineken.