Amsterdam
Amsterdam's Historical Archive

Stadsarchief Amsterdam: City Archive and Historical Exhibitions

Delve into Amsterdam's rich past through public records, fascinating photos, and engaging displays.

HistoryLocal heritagePhotographyArt

The Noord-Hollands Archief serves as the main information hub for the history of North Holland and surrounding municipalities. It offers access to an extensive collection for research and hosts various exhibitions, workshops, and historical cafes, making regional heritage accessible to all.

Explore the history of North Holland at this central archive, offering research facilities, diverse exhibitions, and cultural events focused on regional heritage.

Stadsarchief Amsterdam
Stadsarchief Amsterdam: Preserving Local History

Stadsarchief Amsterdam serves as a central information hub in Amsterdam, preserving and sharing the rich history of North Holland and its surrounding municipalities. It offers vital resources for historical research, providing access to extensive digitized archives and special collections. Beyond its role as a research facility, the institution engages the public through dynamic exhibitions, historical lectures, and hands-on workshops on traditional crafts, celebrating local heritage.

Brick building with geometric facade, multiple windows, and a tram passing by on a sunny day
Stadsarchief Amsterdam opening hours in Amsterdam

Check today’s opening status, weekly schedule, and special date changes for Stadsarchief Amsterdam. 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
12:00-17:00
12:00-17:00
Stadsarchief Amsterdam Ticket Information

Admission to Stadsarchief Amsterdam is typically paid for adult visitors, with an entry fee of EUR 10.00. Youth up to 18 years old are granted free entry. Furthermore, visitors presenting a valid Museum Card or other recognized admission passes also receive complimentary access. The archive does not currently offer specific student, senior, or group ticket categories.

Adults
€10.00

For exhibitions in the Exhibition Hall. Tickets available online or at the Information Desk.

Children (ages 0-18)
Free

For exhibitions in the Exhibition Hall. Tickets available online or at the Information Desk. Online booking required.

Students
Free

With valid student ID, for exhibitions in the Exhibition Hall. Tickets available online or at the Information Desk. Online booking required.

Stadsarchief Amsterdam Location

Stadsarchief Amsterdam is located at Vijzelstraat 32 in the Grachtengordel Zuid neighborhood of Amsterdam. This central setting within the historic canal belt offers visitors convenient access to explore the city's extensive historical documents and exhibitions, positioning it well for those discovering Amsterdam's cultural institutions.

© OpenStreetMap contributors

Vijzelstraat 32

1017 CB Amsterdam

Grachtengordel Zuid, North Holland, NL

Planning Your Visit to Stadsarchief Amsterdam

When planning your visit to Stadsarchief Amsterdam, it is recommended to order your ticket online beforehand, even for exhibitions with free admission. Upon arrival, report to the Information Desk to receive an access QR code; tickets can also be purchased there if you cannot order online. The building is centrally located in Amsterdam, accessible by Metro 52 or within a short walk from Rembrandtplein.

Planning Your Visit to Stadsarchief Amsterdam

Exploring Stadsarchief Amsterdam

Stadsarchief Amsterdam serves as a central information hub in the Grachtengordel Zuid neighborhood of Amsterdam, dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of North Holland and its associated municipalities. Visitors can delve into its extensive archives, including digitized dossiers, for historical research in the Reading Room and Information Centre. Beyond research, the archive actively engages the public through a dynamic program of exhibitions in spaces like the Archiefcafé, covering diverse themes from local photography to queer history. It also hosts historical lectures, creative workshops such as paper marbling, and themed cafes, making regional heritage accessible and engaging for all who seek to connect with the past of Amsterdam and beyond.

Black-and-white family portrait of six people, including adults and children, posed before a painted garden backdrop
Top exhibition picks at Stadsarchief Amsterdam
Curated museum program highlights and what to see now in Amsterdam
Discover high-interest exhibitions at Stadsarchief Amsterdam, selected to help you prioritize your route, compare show themes, and plan a more rewarding museum visit in Amsterdam.
Explore Pieter Holsteyn I's 16th & 17th-Century Bird Drawings at Stadsarchief Amsterdam
From Jun 5, 2026

Explore Pieter Holsteyn I's 16th & 17th-Century Bird Drawings at Stadsarchief Amsterdam

Discover rare avian species through historical illustrations in the Archiefcafé.

This exhibition presents stunning reproductions of Pieter Holsteyn I's bird illustrations from the 16th and 17th centuries. Gain insight into the historical natural world of the Netherlands, featuring species now considered rare.

Holsteyn's Birds Exhibition
We Lived Here: North Holland's Forgotten Nature Exhibition in Haarlem

We Lived Here: North Holland's Forgotten Nature Exhibition in Haarlem

Discover local environmental history and vanished species through rich archives.

Journey through North Holland's environmental past in this exhibition, exploring the stories of plants and animals that once flourished. Engage with historical documents and photographs to trace the profound changes in the local natural landscape.

View Exhibition Details
A watercolor-style map of North Holland with purple hues, featuring historical images of windmills, canals, and people in traditional attire, overlaid with the text 'North Holland: A Visual Journey Through Time'.
From Nov 22, 2025

Op reis door Noord-Holland: An Exhibition of North Holland Regional History

Discover the rich archival collections of the Noord-Hollands Archief.

This compelling exhibition offers a unique journey through North Holland's history and cultural heritage. It accompanies the release of a new illustrated book, inviting you to explore the region's past through archival materials. Immerse yourself in the stories and visual records of this distinctive Dutch province.

Exhibition Details
Explore the Exhibition: Hangjeugd – Between Friendship and Vandalism

Explore the Exhibition: Hangjeugd – Between Friendship and Vandalism

Discover youth culture, self-discovery, and societal perceptions of urban life.

Delve into 'Hangjeugd', an exhibition exploring the dynamic lives of young people on the street. Reflect on themes of companionship, individual growth, and how urban spaces are claimed by different generations.

View Exhibition Details
Watercolor illustration of historical documents, crowns, and a sword on a purple background, representing the Kroonjuwelen exhibition at Noord-Hollands Archief.
Nov 15, 2021 – Dec 18, 2021

Kroonjuwelen: Historical Documents and Archival Treasures at Noord-Hollands Archief

Explore a curated selection spanning nine centuries of history.

The 'Kroonjuwelen' exhibition presented a special collection from the Noord-Hollands Archief. It featured beautiful and important pieces from their vast archives. Discover centuries of history through these unique archival items, showcased in various historical facets.

Kroonjuwelen Exhibition
A watercolor montage of diverse women's portraits in purple hues, set against archival documents, representing women in the North Holland resistance movement.
May 12, 2022 – May 12, 2022

Explore the 'De vele gezichten van vrouwen in verzet' Exhibition at Stadsarchief Amsterdam

Highlighting the crucial contributions of women in North Holland resistance history.

This exhibition explores the essential role women fulfilled in the North Holland resistance. It provides recognition and visibility for their diverse contributions during World War II, bringing their stories to light.

Women in Resistance
An illustration of the 'Tijd voor de toekomst' exhibition at the Janskerk in Haarlem, showcasing interactive displays on digital preservation, AI, and data challenges with visitors engaging with exhibits.
Jul 12, 2023 – Sep 29, 2023

Explore Digital Archiving & Data Preservation in Haarlem Exhibition

Understand the future of information with AI and Linked Open Data.

This exhibition at the Janskerk in Haarlem uncovers the challenges and solutions in digital archiving. Learn how innovative techniques preserve vast amounts of digital data for long-term access. Features an installation by artist Richard Vijgen.

View Exhibition Details
A watercolor map of Haarlem from 1578, showing city layout with purple and gold hues, overlaid with subtle symbols of artisan tools and merchant goods, reflecting reconstruction after sieges and fires.
Nov 23, 2023 – Jan 8, 2024

Vlaams Haarlem Exhibition: Flemish Migration Stories and City Development in History

Explore Haarlem's 17th-century revival shaped by Flemish artisans and artists.

Uncover the historical impact of Flemish immigration on Haarlem from 1578 to 1630. This exhibition highlights the challenges faced and crucial contributions made by these newcomers, including influential artists, to the city's cultural and economic landscape.

Vlaams Haarlem Exhibition

Historical Context of Stadsarchief Amsterdam

The Stadsarchief Amsterdam's role in preserving the city's history dates back to the Middle Ages, when important documents were kept in the Oude Kerk. Over time, the archives relocated, including a move to the Waag building during the nineteenth century, and then to the former Nieuwer-Amstel town hall in 1914. Since 2007, it has been housed in the monumental De Bazel building, which was designed by Karel de Bazel. Recognized as the world's largest municipal archive, with approximately 50 kilometers of records, it also includes the historical archives of Ouder-Amstel and Amstelveen. The Stadsarchief Amsterdam continues to expand access to its collections, having digitized over seven million archival scans, alongside preserving significant items like the 1942 police report concerning Anne Frank's bike, and establishing the Amsterdam Treasure Room in 1926 for noteworthy permanent displays.

  • Archives stored in Oude Kerk during Middle Ages

    Historical period

    In the Middle Ages, Amsterdam's important documents were kept in a special cabinet within the 'Iron Chapel' located in the Oude Kerk (Old Church). This was an early form of archive preservation for the city's significant records.

  • Archives relocated to Waag building

    1800-1899Relocation

    During the nineteenth century, the city's archives were moved to the Waag building at the Nieuwmarkt. This marked a significant change in the primary repository for Amsterdam's historical documents.

  • Moved to Nieuwer-Amstel town hall in 1914

    1914Relocation

    In 1914, the Amsterdam City Archives were relocated to the former town hall of Nieuwer-Amstel. This move placed the expanding collection in a new, dedicated municipal building to house its records.

  • Amsterdam Treasure Room dates from 1926

    1926Milestone

    The Amsterdam Treasure Room, a dedicated space where noteworthy documents are permanently displayed, dates from 1926. This area allows visitors to explore significant historical artifacts of the city.

  • Holds Anne Frank's bike theft report from 1942

    1942Collection

    Among its internationally significant documents, the archives preserve a police report concerning the theft of Anne Frank's bike, dated April 13, 1942. This item highlights the archives' role in safeguarding poignant historical records.

  • Relocated to the monumental De Bazel building in 2007

    2007Relocation

    Since the summer of 2007, the Amsterdam City Archives have been located in the monumental De Bazel building in the city-centre. This move established its home in a prominent and architecturally significant landmark.

  • De Bazel building designed by Karel de Bazel

    Architecture

    The monumental building De Bazel, which houses the Amsterdam City Archives, was designed by the famous Dutch architect Karel de Bazel. The building is named after its architect, reflecting its distinguished architectural heritage and significance.

  • Part of Amsterdam's government

    Ownership

    The Amsterdam City Archives belongs to the government of Amsterdam. It is responsible for preserving the archives of the municipal government and national government records pertaining to the city, cementing its public institution status.

  • Recognized as the world's largest municipal archive

    Cultural significance

    With archives covering a shelf-length of approximately 50 kilometres, the Amsterdam City Archives is recognized as the largest municipal archive in the world. This extensive collection underscores its critical role in preserving the history of Amsterdam.

  • Houses archives of Ouder-Amstel and Amstelveen

    Collection

    In addition to Amsterdam's own records, the City Archives houses the historical archives of the municipalities of Ouder-Amstel and Amstelveen. This broadens its scope to preserve regional history beyond the city limits.

  • Digitized over seven million archival scans

    Milestone

    In recent years, the Amsterdam City Archives has digitized a vast amount of material, now totaling more than seven million scans accessible through its Archives Database. This significantly improves public access to historical records.

Latest museum updates from Stadsarchief Amsterdam
Recent announcements, stories, and institutional updates in Amsterdam
Read the newest updates from Stadsarchief Amsterdam, including exhibition announcements, program changes, and cultural stories that add context before your visit in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam City Archives Achieves Record Archive Processing Speed

Amsterdam City Archives Achieves Record Archive Processing Speed

The Stadsarchief Amsterdam has set a new record by processing, storing, and publishing a municipal archive online in under 24 hours. This remarkable feat was achieved using a newly developed AI-powered tool for handling smaller digital archives.

Digital ArchiveInnovationAIRecord SpeedCity Archives
Read article
Stadsarchief Amsterdam Embraces Community Archiving

Stadsarchief Amsterdam Embraces Community Archiving

Stadsarchief Amsterdam is actively developing its community archiving function, empowering Amsterdammers to preserve and share their own heritage, particularly focusing on underrepresented groups. This new approach shifts from traditional archiving, prioritizing active community participation in collecting and making their stories accessible. The archive offers support through knowledge, funding, and sustainable storage for these collaborative projects.

CommunityArchivingHeritageInitiativeEngagement
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Stadsarchief Amsterdam Introduces Enhanced Digital Archive Search

Stadsarchief Amsterdam Introduces Enhanced Digital Archive Search

The Stadsarchief Amsterdam has rolled out new search methods, 'Records in Contexts' and 'Zoeken door alles', for its digital collections. These innovations allow users to explore archival materials more intuitively, reducing the need for prior knowledge of specific archive structures.

Digital ArchiveSearch ToolsResearchCollections
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Stadsarchief Amsterdam Updates Online Search System Based on User Feedback

Stadsarchief Amsterdam Updates Online Search System Based on User Feedback

The Stadsarchief Amsterdam has rolled out significant enhancements to its online search system, incorporating user feedback to improve the research experience. These updates introduce new functionalities for navigating hierarchical records and provide more comprehensive information directly within search results.

Digital ArchiveWebsite UpdateUser FeedbackSearch SystemResearch Tools
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Understanding Search Filters on Stadsarchief Amsterdam's Beta Archive

Understanding Search Filters on Stadsarchief Amsterdam's Beta Archive

The Stadsarchief Amsterdam has updated its beta archival website, beta.archief.amsterdam, introducing new 'Type' filters to enhance user search capabilities. This guide provides a detailed explanation of each filter option, such as 'Archiefblok,' 'Afbeelding,' and 'Persoonsvermelding,' helping visitors more effectively locate historical documents, photographs, and records within the vast collection.

ArchiveSearchGuideDigitalResearchHistory
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Stadsarchief Amsterdam Introduces Enhanced Archive Search

Stadsarchief Amsterdam Introduces Enhanced Archive Search

Stadsarchief Amsterdam has launched an advanced search system designed to unify access to both its traditional paper inventories and newer digital archives. This innovative system shifts from strict hierarchical structures to interconnected data relationships, allowing users to find information more intuitively and comprehensively, irrespective of its original format or type.

ArchiveSearch SystemDigitalizationResearchTechnology
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Stadsarchief Amsterdam Launches Enhanced Beta Archive Search System

Stadsarchief Amsterdam Launches Enhanced Beta Archive Search System

Stadsarchief Amsterdam has launched beta.archief.amsterdam, a new version of its online search system, offering a unified search bar for all collections and updated result displays. This enhancement simplifies access to historical records and introduces new terminology for improved data structuring, with further developments planned for future features.

Digital ArchiveSearch SystemHistoryResearch ToolsOnline Access
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Stadsarchief Amsterdam Updates Rules for Public Access to Personal Records

Stadsarchief Amsterdam Updates Rules for Public Access to Personal Records

The Stadsarchief Amsterdam is changing its policy regarding the public availability of personal records. Effective from 2025, the 100-year rule for releasing birth data will be replaced by a 105-year rule, impacting when these records become publicly accessible. Additionally, only records of deceased individuals will be shown online, with a clear process for requesting open access.

Archival RecordsPolicy UpdateGenealogyResearchVisitor Information
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Stadsarchief Amsterdam FAQs: Digging Up Answers

Curious about the Stadsarchief Amsterdam? Perhaps you're wondering if we're open on a Monday (spoiler: we're not!) or what time the doors close in Amsterdam's Grachtengordel Zuid. Find these answers and more, helping you plan your visit to explore the city's rich history.

Which neighborhood is Stadsarchief Amsterdam located in?

Stadsarchief Amsterdam is situated in the Grachtengordel Zuid neighborhood of Amsterdam.

What is the postal code for Stadsarchief Amsterdam?

The postal code for Stadsarchief Amsterdam is 1017 CB.

What is the address for Stadsarchief Amsterdam?

Stadsarchief Amsterdam is located at Vijzelstraat 32, 1017 CB Amsterdam, Netherlands.

How can I reach Stadsarchief Amsterdam by public transport?

Stadsarchief Amsterdam is accessible via Metro 52. The closest stops for visitors are Vijzelgracht and Rokin.

Stadsarchief Amsterdam Visitor Tips

When planning your visit to Stadsarchief Amsterdam, it is advisable to order your ticket online beforehand, even for free exhibitions, as you will need to present it at the Information Desk to receive an access QR code. The main entrance involves stairs; however, an accessible service entrance is available at 482 Herengracht for wheelchair and mobility scooter users. Free lockers are provided for smaller items, though they cannot accommodate suitcases. While food and drink are permitted in the main hall, they are restricted in the Exhibition Hall and the Treasury.

Who Stadsarchief Amsterdam Suits

Stadsarchief Amsterdam is particularly suited for individuals interested in history, local heritage, photography, and art, appealing to solo visitors, families, and students alike. Visitors can explore diverse exhibitions, engage with historical documents, or utilize the research facilities for in-depth study of Amsterdam's past. The venue in the Grachtengordel Zuid neighborhood offers free lockers for convenience, and while the main entrance has stairs, a service entrance is available for wheelchair and mobility scooter users. It provides a quiet yet engaging experience for those seeking to connect with the city's rich archival records and cultural offerings.

Photos of Stadsarchief Amsterdam

Discover the architectural character of Stadsarchief Amsterdam through exterior views, alongside images capturing the vibrant history of Amsterdam. The visuals feature engaging exhibitions, including historical paintings and comparisons of 19th-century urban scenes with contemporary city life. These photographs collectively present the rich visual narrative found within the city archive's extensive collections.

Modern archive reading room with white tables, desk lamps, and people researching documents and using computers
Black-and-white family portrait of six people, including adults and children, posed before a painted garden backdrop
Historical painting of a bustling 19th-century Amsterdam street with crowds, carriages, and gabled buildings under a hazy sky.
Split image: historical black-and-white view of Amsterdam street with trams and pedestrians on the left; modern color view of the same intersection with cyclists and vehicles on the right
Brick building with geometric facade, multiple windows, and a tram passing by on a sunny day
People seated in a dimly lit room viewing a large black-and-white historical photograph on a screen, with grid-patterned windows on green walls
Grand Art Deco interior of Amsterdam City Archives with tiled columns, geometric ceiling patterns, and exhibition displays
Historical figures in period clothing, Amsterdam cityscape with church tower, and group illustrations on split blue and orange background
Stadsarchief Amsterdam building with red-brick facade, multiple windows, and flags, surrounded by trees under a clear blue sky
Long corridor in the Amsterdam City Archives with tall shelves holding historical documents and red-bound records
Amsterdam

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Explore Stadsarchief Amsterdam with Amsterdam
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