header-main-image
header-main-image
header-main-image

The Golden Age | Entrepreneurship

The canal houses at Herengracht 448-458, known as De Bary, trace their origins to Amsterdam’s Golden Age. Originally built in varying architectural styles—from Dutch classicism to French Louis XIV—the properties were later unified by H. Albert De Bary. In the 20th century, the complex served as the headquarters of a major international bank. Following an extensive renovation by Herengracht Investments in 2007, De Bary now stands as a distinguished business hub, home to 45 companies.

Legacy

De Bary Heritage

Discover the unique essence of De Bary—an iconic blend of history and innovation. From its Golden Age origins as a center of global trade to its transformation under H. Albert De Bary, these canal houses showcase Dutch classicism, French elegance, and entrepreneurial spirit. Immerse yourself in timeless architectural beauty and a heritage that stands as a testament to Amsterdam’s vibrant past.

Feature image
Feature image

Historical Value

Golden Age heritage with rich trading origins.

Feature image

Architectural Appeal

Blend of Dutch classicism and French elegance.

Feature image

Monumental Allure

Iconic canal houses united by De Bary's vision.

Feature image

Classically Chic

Lavish interiors with timeless French sophistication.

Feature image

Illustrious Stories

Home to generations of entrepreneurial spirit.

About De Bary

The canal houses at Herengracht 448-458, known as De Bary, trace their origins to Amsterdam’s Golden Age. Originally built in varying architectural styles—from Dutch classicism to French Louis XIV—the properties were later unified by H. Albert De Bary. In the 20th century, the complex served as the headquarters of a major international bank. Following an extensive renovation by Herengracht Investments in 2007, De Bary now stands as a distinguished business hub, home to 45 companies.

main image

Our Origins


History

Golden Age

Centre Of Commerce

Amsterdam grew into the trading center of the world in the Golden Age. It is logical that the city had to expand in order to accommodate the growing number of inhabitants. The city council designed a plan for this and the ring of canals was extended beyond the Amstel. Merchant families with enough money for a double lot settled in the Golden Bend on the Herengracht and the canal houses Herengracht 448-458 were built. They invested heavily in architecture and ornaments and imported building materials from all over the world. These first residents created true city palaces that reflected their financial and social success

18th Century: elegant French style
The golden success story of the buildings did not stop after the seventeenth century. In the eighteenth century, residents renovated their homes in the style of their time. The austere and formal style of Dutch classicism was replaced by the Louis XIV style with lavish plaster castings on the ceilings, wood paneling and heavy marble floors. Not much is left of the original 17th century interior architecture.


History

Entrepreneurship

De Bary Was A Banker

The six canal houses on Herengracht 448 to 458 each have their own history, largely determined by their illustrious residents. This changed when, from 1919, the banker H. Albert De Bary bought the properties one by one and merged them into one big office. Without his drive for expansion, this complex would not exist in its current form. That is why Herengracht 450 is now called De Bary. And in that versatile history of the buildings and the people who have lived and worked there, one constant characteristic can be found: entrepreneurial spirit.

De Deutsche Bank

From the twentieth century onwards, the six canal houses became intertwined. Between 1919 and 1965, numbers 448 to 458 were purchased one by one by Trading Company H. Albert De Bary & Co. This financial institution operated as the Dutch branch of Deutsche Bank and the two completely merged in the 1980s. Albert De Bary had passages made between the buildings, creating a complex floor plan. The separate gardens were united into one garden and the original 17th century garden house was used as a workshop. In the years that followed, construction and expansion took place.

Logo

© 2026 All rights reserved. Designed and powered by WebriQ.