Slum Dwelling, Post Office, and Museum Apartment: A Historical Exhibition at Museum Het Schip in Amsterdam

This permanent exhibition offers a unique three-part tour through historical living conditions in Amsterdam. It features a replica slum dwelling from the 19th century, a restored Amsterdam School post office designed by Michel de Klerk, and an authentic working-class apartment from the 1920s.

This permanent exhibition at Museum Het Schip provides a comprehensive look at historical living and working spaces in Amsterdam through a guided tour of three distinct, yet interconnected, environments. Visitors first step into a full-size replica of a 19th-century slum dwelling, offering insight into the dire living conditions faced by urban workers and the necessity of early social housing legislation. This section highlights the history and urgency of housing reform, experienced through the eyes of occupants with large families. The tour then moves to the beautifully restored post office, a space designed by Michel de Klerk, the architect behind Het Schip itself. This interior showcases de Klerk’s unique design contributions, including stained glass and a clock, with remarkable restored violet and lavender tones. It represents the only fully preserved interior design by de Klerk, allowing visitors to admire his work in detail. Finally, the exhibition includes a meticulously restored and furnished working-class apartment from the 1920s. This provides a glimpse into the daily lives of residents when Het Schip was first constructed, contrasting their living standards with contemporary expectations by highlighting the evolution of essential household items like televisions, computers, and sofas.

Access to the slum dwelling, post office, and museum apartment is typically part of the daily tour. Visitors should consult the museum's official ticketing information for details on tour schedules and admission requirements.