About
Independence Palace sits on Onafhankelijkheidsplein 1 in the historic centre of Paramaribo, the capital of Suriname. It is the official residence of the President of Suriname, and its setting on the banks of the Suriname River gives it a calm, open presence in the middle of the city.
What you will see
The palace is built in the Dutch colonial style, a reminder of the country's history as a Dutch colony. Its architecture is the first thing to take in, with its traditional proportions and the way it stands among the older streets of the city centre. The building is described as dating from the 18th century, so it links the visit to one of the oldest layers of Paramaribo.
Other names
You may see the palace listed under several names, including Reunification Palace, Presidential Palace, Government Palace and Presidentieel Paleis. They all refer to the same building, so do not be confused if your map or guidebook uses a different one.
Planning your visit
- Location: Onafhankelijkheidsplein 1, in the historic centre, close to the river.
- Contact: +597 472-051, if you want to check access before you go.
- Around it: The historic centre of Paramaribo is compact, so you can combine the palace with a walk along the river and through the surrounding streets.
Because the palace is the seat of the national government, expect it to be a working official building rather than a museum laid out for visitors. Plan a short, respectful stop, and call ahead to confirm what is open to the public.
