No matter how many times that I’ve visited Amsterdam, there’s always something new and exciting to discover. Just recently the old Beurspassage between the Damrak and Nieuwendijk in the heart of the city underwent an extraordinary transformation. As part of a larger commercial redevelopment, the passage was completely revamped by artists Iris Roskam, Hans van Benten and Arno Coenen.

The Beuerspassage has been renamed Oersoep or primordial soup—Amsterdam slang for canal water—and lavishly decorated with local nautical symbols. The walls, ceiling and floors are covered in polychromatic mosaics, tiles, glass and mirrors. There are even gilt chandeliers constructed from recycled bicycle parts.

h/t to Kees Hummel