Amsterdam Daily Photo via rl reeves jr

The riots are long over.

Back in the 80s when ground finally broke (after 30 years of planning) on the Dutch National Opera and Ballet House in Amsterdam, squatters, crusty punks and anarchists took to the streets to thwart the construction of the complex. Water cannons were brought in, Dutch police with truncheons waded into the fray, skulls were cracked and punks were sent running for cover.

The building of an opera and ballet house was not to be thwarted and if the streets had to run red with blood then so be it.

Nowadays the scene is much more peaceful and if you happen by around noon on Tuesdays (between October and June) you can hasten inside for a free lunch time concert.