This church was designed by Adriaan Dortsman and was constructed in the end of 17th century. 200 years later, after a fire, it was rebuilt. The organ, built by J. Batz in 1830, was restored in 20th century by Flentrop Organ Works. Since Lutherans were forbidden to build towers for their churches, the architect chose for a cupola instead. In the very upper part of the cupola, called the lantern, in the past the image of the Lutheran rooster was supposed to be seen.
In 1935, the Lutherans vacated the building and for a while it served as a concert hall.
In 1975, a tunnel was built under the street in order to adjoin the church with the neighboring Sonesta Hotel (currently the Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel). The hotel rents the church from the Lutheran community which, officially, still owns the building. In 1983 the church was closed for a long period of restoration, but ten years later the dome burned down again and the church had to be restored again. The original dome was built to resemble that of St. Peter’s in the Vatican, and this is still evident in the restored version.
Those staying at the Renaissance Hotel may inquire at the hotel about the possibility to see this curious church, which is generally closed for the public. A security guard accompanies visitors through the underground tunnel to the church where the basement floor of the former consistory has been converted into bathrooms, while the upper floors are now meeting room. In the main hall, the impressive columns, galleries, organ and pulpit can still be seen. Occasionally cultural events such as readings and concerts are organized in the church for the general public. Now and then gala-dinners, live TV-shows and even celebrity weddings also take place here.