Starbucks Concept Store Inspired by the Original Central Bank

When you walk into a coffee shop that was once a national bank, you don’t just order a latte—you step into a piece of economic history. That’s the experience at 'The Bank,' a Starbucks concept store in Amsterdam designed by Dutch creative director Liz Muller. The space channels the grandeur of the Netherlands’ first central bank, the birthplace of modern banking, and repurposes it as a striking coffee destination.

In short: Starbucks’ 'The Bank' occupies a 4,500-square-foot former financial institution in Amsterdam, redesigned with original timber, recycled materials, and architectural features like carved wooden ceilings—paying homage to the original 17th-century bank building.

What Is 'The Bank' and Why Does It Matter?

'The Bank' is not your average Starbucks. Located in Amsterdam, it’s a flagship concept store designed to reflect the heritage of the site it occupies: the original building of the Netherlands’ first central bank. That institution is widely recognized as a precursor to modern central banking systems. Starbucks and its Dutch-born design director, Liz Muller, chose to preserve and celebrate this history rather than obscure it.

The Design: Timber, Texture, and Banking Heritage

The store spans an expansive 4,500 square feet and is styled as a faithful homage to the original 17th-century bank building. The exterior and interior make extensive use of original wood and recycled materials. One of the most striking features is the ceiling, which is covered in handcrafted, uneven wooden blocks—adding texture and a sense of aged craftsmanship to the space. The overall aesthetic blends historical gravitas with contemporary coffeehouse function.

Who Designed It and What Was the Vision?

Dutch designer Liz Muller, who serves as Starbucks’ concept store design director, led the creative vision for 'The Bank.' Her approach was to integrate the cultural and architectural legacy of the original bank into the modern coffee retail environment. Muller is known for her work on other high-concept Starbucks locations around the world, where she often fuses local history with global brand identity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Starbucks 'The Bank' concept store located?

The Starbucks 'The Bank' is located in Amsterdam, in a building that was originally the site of the Netherlands’ first central bank—the precursor to modern central banking institutions.

Who designed the Starbucks 'The Bank' concept store?

The store was designed by Liz Muller, a Dutch creative director who works as Starbucks’ concept store design director. She is known for integrating local heritage into Starbucks’ global retail spaces.

What makes 'The Bank' different from a regular Starbucks?

'The Bank' is housed in a historic 4,500-square-foot building that was once the Netherlands’ first central bank. Its design uses original wood, recycled materials, and architectural details like carved wooden ceilings to reflect the building’s financial heritage, creating a unique atmosphere compared to standard Starbucks locations.

How big is the 'The Bank' Starbucks store?

The store covers an area of 4,500 square feet, making it a large and spacious coffee shop designed to evoke the grandeur of its original use as a central banking hall.

What architectural features are used in 'The Bank'?

The design incorporates original timber, recycled materials, and a ceiling made of irregular wooden blocks. These elements are meant to replicate and honor the look and feel of the 17th-century bank building.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Historic Coffee Shops

For a coffee experience that matches the heritage ambiance of 'The Bank,' try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera—bright with citrus and floral tones—or Yirgacheffe, offering delicate jasmine and stone fruit. Both single origins highlight the elegance suited to a refined, architecturally rich setting. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.