Amsterdam
Amsterdam · Plan Your Visit

Amsterdam Museum: A Journey Through City History

Uncover Amsterdam's fascinating heritage and daily life in the heart of the city.

HistoryLocal heritageArtContemporary

The Amsterdam Museum offers a journey through the city's extensive history and diverse stories, presented via exhibitions and events at various locations. Explore historic canal houses and cultural parks to connect with Amsterdam's heritage and evolution.

Dedicated to Amsterdam's history, the museum presents exhibitions and stories across multiple venues, including a historic canal house and a park location.

Amsterdam Museum
About the Amsterdam Museum

The Amsterdam Museum is dedicated to exploring the rich history and diverse narratives of Amsterdam, from its origins to contemporary life. It operates as a 'Network Museum,' presenting programs and collections across multiple locations throughout the city. Key sites include Huis Willet-Holthuysen, a preserved canal house, and Amsterdam in Motion, located in the Westergas cultural park. The museum also maintains an extensive online collection database, ensuring the city's stories remain accessible.

Interior of Amsterdam Museum with bright red and pink walls displaying the museum name, a staircase, and visitors near an exhibition screen
Amsterdam Museum opening hours in Amsterdam

Check today’s opening status, weekly schedule, and special date changes for Amsterdam Museum. Use these opening hours to plan your arrival and avoid closed times in Amsterdam.

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
10:00-17:00
10:00-17:00
10:00-17:00
10:00-17:00
10:00-17:00
10:00-17:00
10:00-17:00
Amsterdam Museum Tickets

Admission to the Amsterdam Museum is generally paid, offering various ticket categories. Children aged up to 17 years receive free entry. Students with a valid ID or CJP card are eligible for reduced-price tickets. Group visits are also available, though these require advance booking. An all-in ticket for multiple museums can be purchased through the H'ART Museum website.

Adults
€15.00
Students / CJP
€7.50
Children (under 18)
Free
Family visits at the Amsterdam Museum

The Amsterdam Museum provides various interactive experiences for families, including dedicated scavenger hunts and educational activities across its locations. Children aged 6 and up can follow the Sammie-led trail, while other resources help younger visitors explore the city's history. Detailed information on age-specific trails and family facilities is available to help plan your visit.

Families visiting the Amsterdam Museum can enjoy interactive scavenger hunts, creative workshops, and educational activities across its locations, with free admission for children under 18.

Why families will enjoy it

  • Free admission for all children under 18 to both locations.
  • Free Amsterdam in Motion treasure hunt featuring the world's largest audiovisual city model.
  • Free dog-themed 'Sammie, lead the way' scavenger hunt for ages 6 and up at the Willet-Holthuysen House.

Activities and resources for children

Kids trail

Amsterdam in Motion Family Treasure Hunt

Free

A family voyage of discovery through Amsterdam using a free printed guide.

Kids trail

Sammie, lead the way

Ages 6+Free

A dog-guided scavenger hunt through the historic rooms of The Willet-Holthuysen House.

Museum pass access at Amsterdam Museum

Visitors to the Amsterdam Museum can utilize participating museum passes to facilitate their entry. Access conditions, including reservation requirements and coverage, vary by specific cardholder status. Please check your chosen pass for details regarding its validity and usage policies at this location.

Amsterdam Museum Locations

The Amsterdam Museum is situated at Amstel 51 in the Weesperbuurt neighborhood of Amsterdam. While its main building undergoes renovation, the museum operates as a 'Network Museum,' presenting its diverse programs and collections across multiple venues throughout the city, offering visitors various points of access to explore Amsterdam's history.

© OpenStreetMap contributors

Amstel 51

1018 EJ Amsterdam

Weesperbuurt, North Holland, NL

How to Visit Amsterdam Museum

The Amsterdam Museum is located at Amstel 51 in Amsterdam, sharing a building with H'ART Museum and Museum van de Geest, where a combined ticket can be acquired. Reservations are recommended, especially for group visits or guided tours, which require advance booking at least two weeks prior. Note that the historic Willet-Holthuysen House, a part of the museum, has stairs and no lift, limiting accessibility for wheelchair users.

How to Visit Amsterdam Museum

Amsterdam Museum: Exploring City History Across Locations

The Amsterdam Museum explores the city's history and narratives as a 'Network Museum' across its locations in Amsterdam. Visitors encounter thematic displays at Huis Willet-Holthuysen, a 17th-century canal house with period rooms. Interactive exhibitions are featured at Amsterdam in Motion in Westergas cultural park. Its collections include historical objects, art, and temporary shows on local heritage and social issues. This multi-site experience offers a comprehensive understanding of Amsterdam's evolving story.

Historical painting showing a medical dissection with a physician and onlookers around a cadaver on a table

History of the Amsterdam Museum

The Amsterdam Museum has a rich history rooted in the city of Amsterdam. It first opened its doors in 1926 as the Amsterdam Historical Museum, initially located in the historic Waag building. Its current main premises, a former municipal orphanage, has a history dating back to 1581 and was notably extended and rebuilt in 1634. After the orphanage ceased operations in 1960, the museum relocated to this significant building in 1975. The institution was later rebranded as the Amsterdam Museum in 2010. By 2011, its collection had grown to 70,000 objects.

  • Building served as municipal orphanage from 1581

    1581Historical period

    The building that would eventually house the Amsterdam Museum began a long period of service as Amsterdam's municipal orphanage in 1581, transforming from its original purpose as a convent. This marked a significant change in the building's public function.

  • Building extended and rebuilt in 1634

    1634Architecture

    In 1634, the former convent and orphanage building underwent significant architectural development. It was notably extended by Hendrick and his son Pieter de Keyser, and subsequently rebuilt by the renowned architect Jacob van Campen, shaping its structure for centuries to come.

  • Museum opened in 1926

    1926Opening

    The Amsterdam Museum, then known as the Amsterdam Historical Museum, officially opened its doors to the public in 1926. It was initially housed within the historic 15th-century city gate known as the Waag.

  • Orphanage operations ceased in 1960

    1960Historical period

    The municipal orphanage concluded its operations in 1960, after continuously occupying the building since 1581. This closure paved the way for the site's eventual transformation and reuse by the Amsterdam Museum.

  • Museum relocated to former orphanage building in 1975

    1975Relocation

    In 1975, the Amsterdam Museum made a significant move, relocating from its initial home in the Waag to the former municipal orphanage building. This new, larger premises became the museum's permanent main location, following the orphanage's closure in 1960.

  • Renamed Amsterdam Museum in 2010

    2010Milestone

    The institution, originally established as the Amsterdam Historical Museum, officially underwent a name change in 2010. It was rebranded as the Amsterdam Museum, reflecting an updated focus or identity for the cultural spot.

  • Collection grew to 70,000 objects by 2011

    2011Collection

    By 2011, the Amsterdam Museum's collection had grown to a substantial 70,000 objects. These items, all pertaining to the extensive history of Amsterdam, were maintained across various buildings and storage facilities.

  • Digital photo collection publicly released in 2011

    2011Collection

    On January 15, 2011, the Amsterdam Museum publicly released its high-quality digital photo collection. This event, which symbolized the public release of their digital assets, coincided with the museum's name change and Wikipedia's 10th anniversary.

Amsterdam Museum FAQs: All Your Curiosities Addressed

Wondering if the Amsterdam Museum keeps the same hours on weekends or if a reservation is a must? We've got the straightforward answers to these and many more practical questions, ensuring your visit to this city history museum is smooth and enjoyable.

What is the general inquiry email for the Amsterdam Museum?

The email address for general inquiries at the Amsterdam Museum is [email protected]. This is currently the fastest method to receive a response.

What is the phone number for general inquiries at the Amsterdam Museum?

You can reach the Amsterdam Museum for general inquiries by phone at 020 5231 822. Please note that phone accessibility is temporarily limited, so email is recommended for faster responses.

What is the best way to contact the Amsterdam Museum for general inquiries, complaints, or comments?

For general inquiries, complaints, or comments, the Amsterdam Museum advises sending an email to [email protected]. This is explicitly stated as the fastest method to get a response, as phone accessibility is temporarily limited.

How can I contact the Amsterdam Museum?

For general inquiries, you can email [email protected] or call 020 5231 822. Email is currently the fastest way to get a response due to temporary limitations on phone accessibility.

Visitor Tips for the Amsterdam Museum

When planning your visit to the Amsterdam Museum, it is recommended to make reservations, especially for group visits, which require advance booking. The museum is located at Amstel 51 in Amsterdam, sharing a building with H'ART Museum and Museum van de Geest; an all-in ticket for these three venues is available via the H'ART Museum website. Visitors should be aware that the historic Willet-Holthuysen House, a component of the Amsterdam Museum, is not accessible for wheelchair users or mobility scooters due to numerous stairs and the absence of a lift. Specific details for arranging guided tours are available, including advance booking requirements.

Visitor Fit for the Amsterdam Museum

The Amsterdam Museum, located in Amsterdam, is well-suited for visitors interested in the city's history, local heritage, and art, from individuals to groups. Its focus on diverse narratives makes it engaging for families and students exploring different facets of Amsterdam's past and present across its multiple venues. Group visits, including school classes, can be accommodated with advance reservations, and guided tours are available; however, visitors with mobility scooters or wheelchairs should note that the historic Willet-Holthuysen House, part of the museum, is not accessible due to stairs and the absence of a lift.

Photos of Amsterdam Museum's Collections and Exhibitions

Explore the Amsterdam Museum through a visual journey featuring its diverse collections and vibrant exhibition spaces. The photos showcase historical paintings, unique fashion, and contemporary installations, reflecting Amsterdam's rich past and social narratives. You'll also see glimpses of the museum's modern interiors and engaging displays, inviting you to experience the city's stories firsthand.

Historical painting showing a medical dissection with a physician and onlookers around a cadaver on a table
Interior of Amsterdam Museum with bright red and pink walls displaying the museum name, a staircase, and visitors near an exhibition screen
Rusted metal bicycle sculpture with textured surface displayed against neutral gray background in museum setting
Worn denim vest with colorful patches including 'Who Killed' text and Union Jack design, displayed on mannequins.
Gold dress with colorful geometric patterns displayed on a mannequin against gray background
Colorful quilt and orange sculptural installations displayed on white walls in a museum gallery with wooden flooring
Group of men in 17th-century Dutch attire with wide collars and hats, standing on a black-and-white checkered floor in a dimly lit room
Person viewing a large historical maritime painting depicting ships and a harbor scene in a museum gallery
Architectural model of a historic building with central dome, symmetrical facade, multiple chimneys, and numerous windows on beige stone structure.
Gold spiky spherical pendant with red center, open to reveal interior, against light background
Amsterdam

Find Museums in Amsterdam: Explore Diverse Cultural Attractions by Interest

Discover unique art, history, and science museums in the city.

Navigate Amsterdam's extensive cultural offerings to find the perfect museum for your next visit. Explore different themes and historical periods to enrich your understanding of art and heritage. Locate institutions that spark your curiosity and delve into their unique exhibits.

Explore Amsterdam Museum with Amsterdam
Guides, visitor info, and museum details in Amsterdam
Find everything about Amsterdam Museum in one place, including tickets, opening hours, current exhibitions, location details, visitor tips, nearby attractions, and the latest museum updates. Use these pages to plan your visit, discover what to see, and get practical information before you go.
Discover nearby museums similar to Amsterdam Museum in Amsterdam and plan your next cultural stop with confidence.
These recommendations prioritize real proximity to Amsterdam Museum and help you find high-fit alternatives faster across Amsterdam.
Use this curated list to compare museums near Amsterdam Museum without opening multiple search pages. Each card gives you fast visual context and direct access to key details so you can decide quickly. If you are building a full day in Amsterdam, this section helps you chain nearby visits with less planning effort.