Stopera in Amsterdam
The building of the Stopera combines two functions: a city hall and a music theatre. The word 'Stopera' derives from the two words stadhuis (city hall) and opera. It was designed by W. Holzbauer and C. Dam. The present location of the Stopera has been quite controversial, as well as the dual function of the building.
Both the city hall and the music theatre have been relocated many times, before they finally settled down at the Waterlooplein (Waterloosquare) in 1986. At this square one can find a large flea market, with second hand clothes, antiques and much more.
Both the Dutch Opera and the National Ballet are based in the music theatre. The passage between the city hall and the music theatre can be entered for free. Here you can find a popular tourist attracttion: a brass benchmark, which shows the current NAP-level (Normaal Amsterdams Peil). This level is used for altimetry measurements in most European countries.