Amsterdam Museum, Amsterdam
The Amsterdam Museum, known until 2010 as the Amsterdam Historical Museum, is dedicated to the city's past and present. It opened in 1926 in the Waag, one of Amsterdam's 15th-century city gates. Since 1975, the museum has been located in a former convent that was used from 1581 onwards as Amsterdam's municipal orphanage. The orphanage operated here until 1960.
In the 17th century, the building was extended by the acclaimed Dutch "Golden Age" architects, Hendrick and his son Pieter de Keyser, and then rebuilt by Jacob van Campen, in 1634, imparting it with an eternal classical look.
The museum's exhibits relate to the history of Amsterdam, from the Middle Ages to the present time, delving into various facets of the city's life, including religion, culture, folklore, and even prostitution.
Before you venture in, take a moment to observe the archway at the entrance. Resting atop the slightly slanted arch is the city's coat of arms, featuring a red shield adorned with three Xs and a crown. These X-shaped crosses hold dual significance: they represent the crucifixion of Saint Andrew, the patron saint of fishermen, as well as symbolize the virtues of heroism, determination, and mercy. This symbolism was officially adopted by the queen following the Dutch experience in World War II. Although before that, it is believed to have represented the three major medieval threats: fire, flood, and plague.
Inside, the museum's collection spans three floors and includes paintings, models, archaeological findings, photographs, but also less likely items such as a playable carillon, a Witkar (environment-friendly vehicle from the 1960s), and a replica of Caf茅 't Mandje (a famous pub opened in the Red-light district in 1927, where prostitutes, pimps, seamen, and lesbian women came together).
Many of the original furnishings of the city orphanage are also on display, as are artifacts relating to the Rasp house, the former house of correction in Amsterdam where the prisoners were forced to rasp wood to make sawdust. As of 2011, the museum manages 70,000 objects kept in various buildings and storage areas. Of those, approximately 25,000 have been photographed and are available to the public online.
In the 17th century, the building was extended by the acclaimed Dutch "Golden Age" architects, Hendrick and his son Pieter de Keyser, and then rebuilt by Jacob van Campen, in 1634, imparting it with an eternal classical look.
The museum's exhibits relate to the history of Amsterdam, from the Middle Ages to the present time, delving into various facets of the city's life, including religion, culture, folklore, and even prostitution.
Before you venture in, take a moment to observe the archway at the entrance. Resting atop the slightly slanted arch is the city's coat of arms, featuring a red shield adorned with three Xs and a crown. These X-shaped crosses hold dual significance: they represent the crucifixion of Saint Andrew, the patron saint of fishermen, as well as symbolize the virtues of heroism, determination, and mercy. This symbolism was officially adopted by the queen following the Dutch experience in World War II. Although before that, it is believed to have represented the three major medieval threats: fire, flood, and plague.
Inside, the museum's collection spans three floors and includes paintings, models, archaeological findings, photographs, but also less likely items such as a playable carillon, a Witkar (environment-friendly vehicle from the 1960s), and a replica of Caf茅 't Mandje (a famous pub opened in the Red-light district in 1927, where prostitutes, pimps, seamen, and lesbian women came together).
Many of the original furnishings of the city orphanage are also on display, as are artifacts relating to the Rasp house, the former house of correction in Amsterdam where the prisoners were forced to rasp wood to make sawdust. As of 2011, the museum manages 70,000 objects kept in various buildings and storage areas. Of those, approximately 25,000 have been photographed and are available to the public online.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Amsterdam. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Amsterdam Museum on Map
Sight Name: Amsterdam Museum
Sight Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands (See walking tours in Amsterdam)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Sight Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands (See walking tours in Amsterdam)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Walking Tours in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Create Your Own Walk in Amsterdam
Creating your own self-guided walk in Amsterdam is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Southern Canal Belt Walking Tour
The Canal District, known as Grachtengordel in Dutch, is a globally renowned example of urban planning and architectural excellence within Amsterdam. This area has remained remarkably well-preserved for over four centuries, celebrated for its charming small bridges, canal crossings, and 17th-century residences. Encircling the Old City Centre in a horseshoe shape, the Canal Ring encompasses three... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Amsterdam Introduction Walking Tour
The Dutch capital, Amsterdam, some say, 鈥渄ances to its own beat.鈥� Indeed, Amsterdam 鈥� where 鈥渉ipness meets history鈥� 鈥� has a rather unusual life rhythm and style, famously manifested in the air of legalized cannabis, coffee shops, and the Red Light District. In large part, this 鈥渁ir of freedom鈥� attracts annually to the city over five million visitors.
As a small fishing village,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
As a small fishing village,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
City Center Walking Tour
The inner-most borough and historic heart of Amsterdam, known locally as Centrum, is a tightly woven network of canals and overlapping micro-neighborhoods, each bursting with their own unique vibe and history. Formerly a working-class area, this district is reputed for its traditional community spirit, radical politics and historic brown bars.
Here, all within an easy walking distance you will... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Here, all within an easy walking distance you will... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Jewish Quarter Walking Tour
Welcome to Amsterdam鈥檚 Jewish Quarter, a neighborhood rich in history, tracing the ebb and flow of the city鈥檚 Jewish community. It all began in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, when Sephardic Jews fleeing persecution in Spain and Portugal found refuge here. With its relatively tolerant atmosphere, Amsterdam quickly became a sanctuary, and before long, Ashkenazi Jews from Central and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Jordaan Walking Tour
The Jordaan district of Amsterdam is a popular neighborhood renowned for its charming, narrow streets, quaint courtyards, and picturesque canals. Replete with beautiful historic houses, many of which have been converted into cozy caf茅s, trendy boutiques, and art galleries, this district has a distinctive atmosphere that sets it apart from other areas in the city.
The Jordaan was originally... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
The Jordaan was originally... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Western Canal Belt Walking Tour
The Western Canal Belt is Amsterdam at its most iconic鈥攑icture-perfect and brimming with history. Part of the city鈥檚 famed Canal Ring, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it鈥檚 a neighborhood that marries beauty and function.
Back in the 17th century, the three major canals鈥攖he Gentlemen鈥檚 Canal, the Emperor鈥檚 Canal, and the Prince鈥檚 Canal鈥攚ere masterfully designed to loop around the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Back in the 17th century, the three major canals鈥攖he Gentlemen鈥檚 Canal, the Emperor鈥檚 Canal, and the Prince鈥檚 Canal鈥攚ere masterfully designed to loop around the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
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