New Year’s celebrations in Amsterdam turned to shock for revellers as massive fire tore through the historic Vondelkerk in the early hours of January 1, 2026. As fireworks faded from the night sky, flames rose from the roof of the 154-year-old neo-Gothic church near Vondelpark, turning into one of collective grief.
By dawn, one of the city’s most atmospheric heritage buildings stood gutted, its iconic spire collapsed inward, and its future uncertain.
The fire broke out around 12:45 am, shortly after New Year’s fireworks concluded. Flames were first spotted on the roof before climbing the tall spire. The church’s ageing wooden structure proved highly vulnerable, allowing the blaze to spread uncontrollably.
At approximately 2:30 am, the spire collapsed completely into the building, causing a major portion of the roof to cave in. Videos of the burning spire and thick plumes of smoke quickly spread across social media, leaving residents stunned.
Authorities later confirmed that the entire structure was engulfed, making rescue efforts extremely difficult. Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema described it as a “very terrible and tragic fire.”
Emergency response and evacuations
Multiple fire brigade vehicles rushed to the scene as the scale of the blaze became clear. The fire was declared a regional emergency, with firefighters called in from outside Amsterdam to assist.
Surrounding roads were shut down, nearby residents were advised to stay away from the smoke, and an NL-Alert urged people to close windows and doors and turn off ventilation systems. About 90 homes lost electricity, and several houses were evacuated due to the danger posed by falling debris.
Firefighters battled the flames through the night, but the church’s historic construction made containment especially challenging. Despite the devastation, authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported.
All about the Vondelkerk church
The Vondelkerk was built in 1872 and designed by renowned Dutch architect Pierre Cuypers, whose legacy also includes Amsterdam Central Station and the Rijksmuseum. Named after 17th-century poet Joost van den Vondel, the neo-Gothic cross-basilica was originally known as the Church of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Cuypers regarded the Vondelkerk as his most beautiful church, not only for its architecture but for its setting within the Vondelstraat community. Such was his enthusiasm that he moved into one of the houses overlooking the church, many of which he also designed.
For decades, the church was a vibrant centre of Roman Catholic worship. However, by the late 20th century, secularisation led to its closure in 1977, and the neglected structure faced the threat of demolition.
In 1980, a restoration and repurposing plan spearheaded by Stadsherstel ensured the Vondelkerk’s survival. Parts of the building were converted into office spaces, while its enchanting central nave was opened for public use.
Vondelkerk was equipped with modern facilities, including underfloor heating, high-quality audio-visual systems, and contemporary bathroom amenities. Through partnerships with renowned caterers, the venue hosted everything from modest lunches to lavish dinners.
The tragedy carries a haunting historical echo. In 1904, the church’s spire was damaged by a lightning strike and later rebuilt. More than a century later, fire has once again dealt a devastating blow to the structure.