Prinsengracht 281 1016 GW Amsterdam
The interior of the church is very plain, as Calvinism did not allow for lavish decorations. One exception is the organ which is decorated with wood carvings, statues and organ shutters with paintings by De Lairesse.
The Main Organ was completed in 1686 by Roelof Barentsz and Johannes Duyschot. It then possessed two manuals and pedal. Christian Vater added the upper part in 1727. During the following centuries the organ was adapted many times to an ever-changing sound ideal. In the years 1989-1992 the organ was rebuilt by Flentrop Orgelbouw, basing it on the conditions of 1686/1727. Only about 600 pipes from that time were still present in the instrument. Based on analysis of the materials, 3000 pipes were newly made.
The old components of the organ were too fragile to be considered for restoration or reconstruction. The original case, wind chests and some 20% of the pipe work from the 17th and 18th centuries left their mark on the project. The creative interpretation of the past by the organ builders certainly contributed to the result: an organ that is rooted in history and at the same time is useful for the ecclesiastical and cultural function of a large city church. The Rev. H. A. Visser organ was built by Flentrop in 1963. It was offered to the then pastor of the Westerkerk, Rev. H.A. Visser, on the occasion of his silver jubilee. The organ was restored in the years 1999 - 2000 by Flentrop Orgelbouw. At the time of re-opening it received its current name.
The Westerkerk is wheelchair accessible and a wheelchair restroom is available.