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Amsterdam · Global Perspectives

Wereldmuseum Amsterdam: Global Cultures and Contemporary Themes

Discover a rich collection of art, objects, and narratives in the heart of Amsterdam.

ArtHistoryLocal heritageContemporary

Wereldmuseum Amsterdam presents diverse perspectives on global cultures and human stories through its extensive collection and engaging exhibitions. Discover art, history, and contemporary themes from around the world, with programs for all ages.

Explore global cultures, history, and contemporary issues through dynamic exhibitions and a vast collection at Wereldmuseum Amsterdam.

Wereldmuseum Amsterdam
About Wereldmuseum Amsterdam

Wereldmuseum Amsterdam, located in Amsterdam, explores diverse global cultures and human experiences. Formerly known as the Tropenmuseum, its extensive collection spans centuries and continents, offering insights into historical connections and contemporary societal themes. Through dynamic exhibitions focused on art, heritage, and challenging conversations, the museum fosters understanding of various perspectives on the world.

Aerial view of Wereldmuseum Amsterdam's historic building with gray-tiled towers, red-brick facade, surrounded by lush green trees and near a waterway.
Wereldmuseum Amsterdam opening hours in Amsterdam

Check today’s opening status, weekly schedule, and special date changes for Wereldmuseum 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
10:00-17:00
10:00-17:00
Wereldmuseum Amsterdam Ticket Information

Wereldmuseum Amsterdam has a paid admission structure for its exhibitions. Tickets are available for adults and for children aged 6-18. Group tickets are offered for visitors exploring the museum together. Purchasing tickets online provides a discount compared to on-site purchases, offering a more advantageous admission option.

Standard Adult Ticket (at counter)
€20.00

At the counter

Adult Ticket (online)
€18.00

Online purchase

Children (ages 618) Ticket (at counter)
€9.00

At the counter

Visitor amenities at Wereldmuseum Amsterdam

Wereldmuseum Amsterdam provides a variety of facilities to ensure a comfortable visit for all guests, including barrier-free access, accessible restrooms, and dedicated seating options. The venue is easily accessible by public transport and offers limited parking spaces for those with disabled parking permits. Visitors can further enhance their experience with specialized audio tours, Dutch Sign Language support, and a selection of curated items in the museum shop.

Accessible parking

Available

Wheelchair-friendly restroom

Available

Accessible lift

Limited

Service dog allowed

Available
Family visits at Wereldmuseum Amsterdam

Wereldmuseum Amsterdam features a dedicated junior section with interactive exhibitions and activities designed for children up to 12 years old. Young visitors can participate in hands-on climate-themed challenges, engage with self-guided tour kits, or attend recurring programs that explore diverse global celebrations.

Recommended age: Up to age 12

Wereldmuseum Amsterdam features a dedicated junior section with interactive exhibitions and activities for children up to 12 years old.

Why families will enjoy it

  • Wereldmuseum Junior is the oldest children's museum in the Netherlands.
  • The 'Raad van de Raaf' exhibition offers hands-on climate-themed interactive activities.
  • Free-to-borrow 'Boxie' tour kits include cards with specific objects and tasks for families to complete together.
  • The museum hosts free activities focused on different global celebrations every Sunday.

Activities and resources for children

Interactive experience

Raad van de Raaf

Ages 6+

An interactive exhibition for climate heroes aged 6 and up.

Family program

Every Sunday is a celebration

Ages 6+Free

A recurring weekly event focusing on different global holidays.

Wereldmuseum Amsterdam Location

Wereldmuseum Amsterdam is situated at Linnaeusstraat 2 in the Watergraafsmeer neighborhood of Amsterdam, placing it conveniently within the city's eastern district. Its accessible location allows visitors to easily explore a diverse range of global cultures and human experiences presented through its compelling exhibitions.

© OpenStreetMap contributors

Linnaeusstraat 2

1092 CK Amsterdam

Watergraafsmeer, North Holland, NL

Visiting Wereldmuseum Amsterdam

Wereldmuseum Amsterdam is conveniently located in the city of Amsterdam, making it readily accessible for visitors. You can reach the museum easily by public transport, bicycle, or car, offering flexible travel options. Visitors are encouraged to plan their visit at a time that best suits their schedule.

Visiting Wereldmuseum Amsterdam

Wereldmuseum Amsterdam: Global Cultures and Human Stories

Wereldmuseum Amsterdam in the city of Amsterdam invites visitors to explore diverse global cultures and human experiences. This museum distinguishes itself by presenting an extensive collection spanning centuries and continents, offering insights into historical connections and contemporary societal themes. Through dynamic exhibitions like "Made in China" and "Ekow Nimako," it delves into art, heritage, and challenging conversations, fostering a deeper understanding of various world perspectives. Visitors can engage with thought-provoking displays and participate in workshops or guided tours, encountering a rich tapestry of global stories, from ancient artifacts to modern art installations, ensuring a distinct journey of discovery.

Modern exhibition hall with long display table illuminated in blue, wooden floors, dark walls with orange lighting, and viewing benches at Wereldmuseum Amsterdam.

History of Wereldmuseum Amsterdam

Wereldmuseum Amsterdam began its history in 1864, founded as the Koloniaal Museum in Haarlem with the initial aim to showcase *Dutch overseas possessions*. After opening in 1871, the museum's present building in East Amsterdam was inaugurated in 1926. Its focus evolved, leading to a renaming as Tropenmuseum in 1950 to encompass developing countries and later, during the 1960s and 1970s, to address social issues like poverty. In 2023, it was renamed Wereldmuseum Amsterdam, now part of the Nationaal Museum van Wereldculturen, continuing its mission to explore global cultures and contemporary themes.

  • Founded as Koloniaal Museum in Haarlem

    1864Founding

    The museum was established in Haarlem in 1864 by Frederick van Eeden, secretary of the Society for the Promotion of Industry, under the name Koloniaal Museum (Colonial Museum). Its initial purpose was to showcase Dutch overseas possessions and their inhabitants.

  • Opened to the public in 1871

    1871Opening

    The Koloniaal Museum first opened its doors to the public in 1871, shortly after its founding. In the same year, the institute began research aimed at increasing profits from the colonies, including developing better methods for producing coffee, rattan, and paraffin.

  • Current building construction began in 1926

    1926Construction

    The current building in East Amsterdam, designed by Johannes Jacobus van Nieukerken and Marie Adrianus van Nieukerken, was inaugurated in 1926. Its construction took 11 years, delayed by World War I and labor strikes, and was richly decorated with artwork from the first half of the 20th century.

  • Listed as a historical building in 2003

    2003Heritage status

    In 2003, the museum building was officially listed as a historical building in Amsterdam, recognizing its architectural and cultural significance.

  • Transfer from Royal Tropical Institute ownership

    2014Ownership

    Until March 2014, the museum was owned and operated by the Royal Tropical Institute, a foundation dedicated to studying tropical cultures worldwide. Following this, its ownership and operational structure likely changed as part of broader institutional realignments.

  • Renamed Tropenmuseum in 1950

    1950Milestone

    In 1950, the museum adopted the name Tropenmuseum (Museum of the Tropics), reflecting a broader scope beyond just colonial possessions to include various developing countries in South America, Africa, and Asia.

  • Collection scope expanded in 1960s-1970s

    1960-1979Collection

    During the 1960s and 1970s, encouraged by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the museum expanded its collection scope to encompass social issues like poverty and hunger, in addition to its focus on global cultures.

  • New wing for children added in early 1970s

    1970-1974Architecture

    In the early 1970s, a new wing was added to the museum specifically designed for children. This facility has since evolved into what is now known as Tropenmuseum Junior, featuring interactive exhibits.

  • Inherited 15,000 objects from Ethnographisch Museum Artis

    Collection

    Prior to the merger in 2014, the museum's collection included 175,000 objects, 155,000 photographs, and 10,000 drawings and paintings. It had inherited 15,000 objects from the Ethnographisch Museum Artis.

  • Released 50,000 photographs under Creative Commons license

    2009-2015Collection

    Between 2009 and 2015, the Tropenmuseum released approximately 50,000 photographs from its collection under a Creative Commons license, making them available to Wikimedia Commons.

  • Renamed Wereldmuseum Amsterdam in 2023

    2023Milestone

    The museum underwent a renaming to Wereldmuseum Amsterdam in 2023, having previously been known as Tropenmuseum from 1950 onwards.

  • Part of Nationaal Museum van Wereldculturen

    Overview

    The Wereldmuseum Amsterdam is an integral part of the Nationaal Museum van Wereldculturen (Museum of World Cultures), which is a conglomerate of three ethnographic museums located in the Netherlands.

Latest museum updates from Wereldmuseum Amsterdam
Recent announcements, stories, and institutional updates in Amsterdam
Read the newest updates from Wereldmuseum Amsterdam , including exhibition announcements, program changes, and cultural stories that add context before your visit in Amsterdam.
Wereldmuseum Amsterdam Seeks Disco Memorabilia for Upcoming Exhibition

Wereldmuseum Amsterdam Seeks Disco Memorabilia for Upcoming Exhibition

Wereldmuseum Amsterdam is preparing a major exhibition on the global disco phenomenon, set to open in autumn 2026. The museum is inviting the public to contribute by sharing their personal disco souvenirs and stories, from iconic fashion to nightclub memorabilia, to help bring this vibrant culture to life.

ExhibitionCommunity CallCultureMusic History
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Wereldmuseum Amsterdam Appoints New Head of Research and Collections

Wereldmuseum Amsterdam Appoints New Head of Research and Collections

Wereldmuseum Amsterdam has appointed Laura Osorio Sunnucks as its new Head of Research and Collections, starting October 13. In her new role, she will focus on enhancing the museum's research initiatives and collection policies, while also joining the museum's management team. Her extensive experience in museum heritage, particularly in community engagement and collection provenance, will be instrumental.

Staff AppointmentResearchCollectionsManagement
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Wereldmuseum Appoints New Head of Research and Collections

Wereldmuseum Appoints New Head of Research and Collections

Wereldmuseum Amsterdam has announced Laura Osorio Sunnucks as its new Head of Research and Collections, starting October 13. In her role, she will enhance the museum's research efforts and collection policy, emphasizing community engagement, provenance research, and a critical perspective on the colonial past. She joins the management team, bringing over 15 years of experience in the heritage sector.

AppointmentLeadershipResearchCollectionsMuseum Strategy
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Netherlands Returns Benin Bronzes to Nigeria in Historic Restitution

Netherlands Returns Benin Bronzes to Nigeria in Historic Restitution

This week marks the official return of 119 Benin Bronzes from Dutch collections, including the Wereldmuseum Amsterdam, to Nigeria. This significant act of restitution acknowledges the looting of these artifacts during the 1897 British attack on Benin City and strengthens cultural ties between the two nations.

RestitutionHeritageCollectionInternational Cooperation
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Road Closures and Traffic Disruptions Affecting Wereldmuseum Amsterdam Visits in June

Road Closures and Traffic Disruptions Affecting Wereldmuseum Amsterdam Visits in June

Visitors planning to go to Wereldmuseum Amsterdam or other associated museums in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, or Leiden in late June should be aware of significant road closures. These disruptions are due to the Op de Ring festival and the NATO summit, potentially affecting travel by car, and making public transport or alternative methods preferable.

Visitor InfoTravel AdvisoryRoad ClosuresEventsAmsterdam
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Wereldmuseum Giftcard Now Available

Wereldmuseum Giftcard Now Available

The Wereldmuseum Amsterdam has launched a new gift card, offering a flexible way to share the museum's diverse cultural experiences. Valid at both the Amsterdam and Leiden locations, the card can be used for exhibitions, various activities, and purchases in the museum shop or café, providing a unique and inspiring gift.

Gift CardVisitor InfoShop
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Wereldmuseum Amsterdam's Statement on Gaza and Peace Initiatives

Wereldmuseum Amsterdam's Statement on Gaza and Peace Initiatives

Wereldmuseum Amsterdam has released a formal statement addressing the human suffering in Gaza, calling for a ceasefire and the release of all hostages. The museum reiterates its core mission to contribute to a more just and equitable society, highlighting ongoing public programs like 'Imagine Peace' which foster dialogue on critical global issues.

Museum StatementPeace InitiativesHuman RightsPublic ProgramsDialogue
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Wereldmuseum Amsterdam FAQs: Beyond the Expected

Before your visit to Wereldmuseum Amsterdam in Amsterdam, you might wonder about everything from typical visit duration to specific policies. For instance, are wedding photoshoots allowed, or do they offer appraisal services for your unique finds? Discover the answers to these and all your practical questions in our detailed FAQ.

What are the contact hours for the Wereldmuseum Amsterdam booking office?

The booking office at Wereldmuseum Amsterdam can be reached by phone at +31 (0)88 0042 840, Monday to Friday, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

How do press professionals contact Wereldmuseum Amsterdam?

Wereldmuseum Amsterdam provides a dedicated press information section on their website for all press-related enquiries.

How can I contact Wereldmuseum Amsterdam?

For general questions, you can contact Wereldmuseum Amsterdam by phone at +31 (0)88 0042 800, via email at [email protected], or through their online contact form.

Is a reservation required to visit Wereldmuseum Amsterdam?

It is recommended to reserve your tickets online before visiting Wereldmuseum Amsterdam.

Practical Tips for Wereldmuseum Amsterdam

Wereldmuseum Amsterdam in Amsterdam is easily accessible by public transport, bicycle, or car, allowing visitors flexibility in planning their visit. The museum offers comprehensive accessibility features, including barrier-free access with ramps and elevators for wheelchairs, though mobility scooters are not permitted due to elevator dimensions. Accessible toilets and seating areas, including portable stools for exhibitions, are available for comfort. Service animals are allowed on a lead, and a personal assistant or companion can enter for free when accompanying a visitor. Additionally, audio tours are provided in several languages, including Dutch, English, and Dutch Sign Language, with a specific version for visually impaired visitors who are accompanied.

Wereldmuseum Amsterdam: Audience and Accessibility

Wereldmuseum Amsterdam in Amsterdam appeals to visitors interested in global cultures, art, history, and contemporary themes, making it suitable for families and children through its engaging exhibitions and collections. The museum is largely accessible, featuring step-free entrance, elevators for wheelchair users, accessible restrooms, and dedicated parking for visitors with disabilities. Audio tours are offered in multiple languages, including versions for the visually impaired and in Dutch Sign Language, further enhancing the visitor experience. While service animals are permitted and personal assistants can enter free, guests should note that mobility scooters cannot be accommodated due to elevator size.

Wereldmuseum Amsterdam Visuals

These photos offer a visual journey through Wereldmuseum Amsterdam, highlighting its stately historic building and grand multi-level atrium. Discover images of diverse cultural artifacts, from intricately crafted musical instruments to detailed ceramic exhibits, showcasing the global collections visitors can explore within its exhibition spaces.

Colorful blue, green, and yellow cards displaying 'WERELD MUSEUM' text in white and green lettering
Grand atrium of Wereldmuseum Amsterdam with multi-level staircases, white arches, and red banners displaying words including LOVE
Wooden string instrument with long neck, round body, and decorative headstock against white background
Green ceramic bowl with leaf-shaped patterns displayed under focused lighting on a dark surface
Aerial view of Wereldmuseum Amsterdam's historic building with gray-tiled towers, red-brick facade, surrounded by lush green trees and near a waterway.
Modern exhibition hall with long display table illuminated in blue, wooden floors, dark walls with orange lighting, and viewing benches at Wereldmuseum Amsterdam.
Staff moving a red dolly near glass display cases containing cultural artifacts and sculptures in a museum exhibition space.
Group of children sitting on wooden floor in museum hall, looking up at exhibition. Warm lighting, high ceilings visible.
Hanging cylindrical paper objects suspended by strings in a dark interior space with green background
Two people standing outside, one wearing a brown cap and leather jacket, the other with a blue and white striped scarf, in front of brick buildings
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