On Friday 19 March 2010, NYSE Euronext will commemorate the start of share trading by opening the exchange to the public on Visitor’s Day for the second time. As the Visitor’s day of 2009 became a great success, the doors of NYSE Euronext Amsterdam will be opened again in 2010 for all those who are interested.

Members of the public are invited to have a look behind the scenes at the most famous financial address in the Netherlands, Beursplein 5 in Amsterdam. Visitors are able to see one of the current trading floors, and an extensive exhibition and films which provide information about the history and development of commerce and share trading throughout history. A special visitor’s route will be set out which emphasises the unique character of the building and the long and rich history of the stock exchange

The founding of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) on 20 March 1602 marked the worldwide start of share trading. The VOC was the first company to give private citizens the opportunity to participate in its capital, and the documents recording their participation are thought to be the oldest shares in the world. The Amsterdam stock exchange owns one of the few remaining copies of this very rare document, which is seldom seen by the public. This VOC share was also on display during the first Visitor’s Day.

The Visitor’s day of 2009 was a great success. Over 1,300 people visited NYSE Euronext Amsterdam. A video impression of this day was made and can be watched on this page.