Amsterdam Museum

History museum · Weesperbuurt/Plantage

Amsterdam Museum

History museum · Weesperbuurt/Plantage

Amstel 51, 1018 EJ Amsterdam, Netherlands

Highlights

Housed in a historic former orphanage, this intimate museum offers a captivating journey through Amsterdam's 800-year history with art, artifacts, and interactive displays.

Amstel 51, 1018 EJ Amsterdam, Netherlands Get directions

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@amsterdammuseum

@afar

"Get an overview of the 800-year history of the Dutch capital at this beautiful museum, located in a 17th-century former orphanage on the historic Kalverstraat. Covering the Middle Ages to the present day, the collection unfolds in chronological order and includes paintings (primarily from the Dutch Golden Age), architectural models, artifacts, photographs, and lots of hands-on, interactive opportunities. Hop on a stationary bike and start pedaling as black-and-white footage of early-20th-century Amsterdam street life flickers before your eyes. Or check out the replica of Café 't Mandje, a 1927 red-light-district bar where lesbians, prostitutes, and seamen all congregated. There’s also a playable carillon and a cool computer-generated map that demonstrates how Amsterdam has grown over the centuries."

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Balkrishna Shroff

Google

It is located in the heart of city very close to famous Dam Square. This museum tells the history of Amsterdam by films, artwork and objects covering 1000 years. The giant wooden Goliath is 350 years old. Once upon a time this building used to be city's orphanage. The paintings displayed here are very beautiful. Worth seeing !!

Claire Dwyer

Google

Enjoyed around 2 hours at the museum. I started with the panorama for the history of Amsterdam and it was also good to see other perspectives on the most common history. As well, I went to the ode to women which was another great exhibition.

Fuzool

Google

It’s really small. AND if you take an audio tour, it is filled with a more honest look at Amsterdam’s history, rather than the self congratulatory tone most museums displaying history, will take. Their inner corridor exhibit on Amsterdam’s true history, part of their “experimental” exhibit, acknowledges a lot of unpleasant, violent colonialist history and I felt relaxed knowing truth was being acknowledged. The exhibit upstairs on the Lenape people of what is now called Northeast United States, and the history of enslavement, displacement, subjugation and murder is so well and compassionately captured in interviews with current day Lenape people. Very powerful!

Vivek Kohli

Google

A fascinating and enriching experience! The exhibits are well-curated, offering deep insights into the city's rich history and culture. The interactive displays and multimedia presentations make learning engaging and enjoyable. It's a must-visit for anyone wanting to understand Amsterdam's unique heritage.

James Belmore

Google

Now located at the Hermitage (look for the Hart Museum) while the original site undergoes restoration, this exhibit tells the story of Amsterdam starting from about the 1600s to modern times. There are audio tours available, but all the descriptions are in English so it’s not necessary unless you’re into that. It’s best to start the tour at the beginning, which is on the right side by the top steps. A solid museum with lots visuals (mostly antique paintings) that complement the written history.

Samantha Platt

Google

The museum is small but gave a good overview of Amsterdam's history. My husband enjoyed it more than I did. I found the audio guide a little annoying that I had to hold it up to my ear like a phone. I prefer when they are hands free. There was ab amazing view of the canal from the ladies toilets and the surrounding area was beautiful.

Navid Alemy

Google

It was disappointing for a "city museum," especially Amsterdam's. The experience was poorly designed. For example, the legend for the tens of small silver artefacts was placed in a distance from the showcase. It would require constant moving away from the showcase! The amount of historical information one would get on WikiPedia is far richer and more detailed than what the museum offers. The art displayed in the museum does not stand on par with the vibrancy and the level of art actually produced in the city. Two stars only thanks to the New Amsterdam exhibition that covers the often-overlooked history of the Lenape people.

tamilew329

Google

I visited the museum to view the exhibition on the Lenape native peoples. I enjoyed the extensive use of oral, storytelling formats and videos. The audio tour was extensive. There was text, too but the oral nature of exhibits was the emphasis. Texts and sound in English and Dutch. The museum is shared with the H’ART (formerly the Hermitage) Museum. Entrance is free with the museumkaart. Accessibility: There is a lift for those who cannot take the many staircases in the building. The garden in had courtyard is large and inviting. There is a small structure where you can get desserts and beverages.