Located in Jordaan is a small but quite a fascinating museum dedicated to the most notorious flower in the history of Netherlands- the Tulip. The first thing that comes to mind when Holland is mentioned is the Tulip. The flower that has played such an important role in shaping the history of the country is bound to have a museum dedicated to telling its tale and the Tulip Museum or the Tulpenmuseum does exactly that.

Tulips were introduced in the Netherlands and Europe in the mid-16th century by the Ottoman Empire. The delicate flower soon caught the attention of the nobilities and was brought to cultivate on Dutch soil. The flowers gained huge popularity, especially with the elite and also became a status symbol in society. The rarer the colour of the flower, the bulb was considered equally precious. Variations in the flower colour, petals etc. were soon discovered and the demand in the market rose to no extent. There were instances recorded when people were ready to pay 10 times the annual income of a craftsmen for a single bulb of the flower. The ‘Tulip Mania’ as it is known today peaked in 1637 and caused severe damage to the economy of the Dutch land.

What was once a unique skill and a collection of inherited wealth is today a worldwide phenomenon. So popular has the name Madam Tussaud become today, that anyone in the world can instantly predict what he is going to encounter. A brand in its own right, the Madam Tussaud’s is the largest tourist attraction in many cities. Not surprisingly, one of the most popular destinations in Amsterdam is the Madam Tussaud’s Scenerama.

After taking a good look at the works of some noted figures in the Dutch History in various museums in and around Amsterdam, how about taking a look at their life size figurines? The experience is quite surprising and it is for this very experience that people all over the world come to Madam Tussaud’s.

The Museum is filled with life size figurines of artists, craftsmen and famous personalities from the Dutch Golden era. Along with the various stars of yester years, the highlight of the museum is the plethora of global personalities ranging from present day movie stars, politicians, members of royal families and many more.

With each passing year the wax models seem more like their subjects than they were before. Capturing a moment with your favorite celebrity from the present or the past is what Madam Tussaud’s strives to give to its every visitor.

Set in the heart of Amsterdam is the Historical museum or more recently known as the Amsterdam Museum. The Museum relays to you the story of a small medieval town which has grown to become one of the most popular cities in the world.

Through its exhibition and artifacts, one can relive the city’s history and experience its existence, growth, downfall and revival. With compelling exhibits that shine light upon the Dutch Golden era, the Middle Ages along with other archeologically significant finds, the Museum forms a perfect collection to dive into the rich history and past of Netherlands.

The Museum took shape in 1975 and has since been housed in an orphanage that dates back to the late 16th century. The orphanage was functional till 1960, five years prior to the Museum’s taking over the building. This vintage structure was enlarged and remodeled in 1634 by renowned Dutch Golden Age architect duo Hendrick and Pieter de Keyser, who gave the structure the eternal classic look.

The Museum has exhibits spread over three floors comprising of paintings, sculptures and other archeological finds. Throwing light upon the different aspects of the city like- religion, culture, folklore, prostitution etc., the Museum provides an overall perspective on the past of the city.

One of Amsterdam’s most gruesome but still interesting places is the Torture Museum. At the Museum, step into dungeons that hold the darkest and most terrible secrets of history and travel back to a time when prisons, justice and laws meant ripping of body parts and tearing of flesh. Get an glimpse of how prisoners and criminals were brought to justice or even got to confessing their crimes.

The Museum is definitely renowned for the ambiance it creates. With its dimly lit interiors and spooky surroundings one can just appreciate how the outlaws were brought to justice some 500 years ago. The Museum boasts of a vast range of torture apparatus from the medieval ages. Right from the classic guillotine to the torture chair along with many other indigenous instruments with just one intention- torturing its host the Museum has it all.

Also in its possession are some rare medieval torture apparatus which are just one of its kind. Each exhibit has a description along with it and if the information is still difficult to fathom, there are paintings that will aid the process. The Torture Museum is not the perfect place for the innocent and weak hearted but if you can muster the courage, it is definitely a watch.

Amsterdam is filled with sights that intrigue and connect to the past. Standing on the Herengracht Canal, the Biblical Museum immediately catches ones gaze with its timeless façade and obvious age. The Biblical Museum is one of the oldest museums in Netherlands.

The Museum was first commissioned by Dutch Merchant Jacob Cromhout in 1660. It was constructed by merging two patrician houses and was designed by architect Philips Vingboons. A total of two years were taken to complete the magnificent building and the end product was a breath taking Baroque design structure, with intricate stucco decoration, painted ceiling, elliptical staircase and a grand façade.

The Biblical Museum provides its viewers with century old miniature models of events and monuments that are religiously significant. Among the most popular are the models of the Temple of Solomon and Herod as they looked in first century Jerusalem, the Tabernacle and many more. The Museum also has paintings of famous events and Biblical scenes. Apart from the models and painting, some of the most sought after exhibits are artifacts that date back several centuries- clay tablets, manuscripts on papyrus and several archeological relics from Egypt can all be seen at the Biblical Museum.

With canals that substitute roads and boats that are used as a means of inner city transportation, Amsterdam will never cease to surprise its visitors. One of the most common sights in Amsterdam is a houseboat.

Although common, it is also one of the most intriguing aspects of Amsterdam lifestyle. How do people live on water, is it practical, what about electricity and disposal? These are just some of the questions that arise when sees one. Living in a houseboat may sound like an exotic thing, however rarely do you actually get touch, see and experience how it is to live inside one. But at Amsterdam, even these thoughts are entertained.

Opened in 1997 by Vincent Van Loon, a houseboat owner, the Houseboat Museum is the perfect place to lay your curiosity at rest. Open to the public on all days except in winter, the Houseboat museum gives its visitors a unique insight on the lifestyle and daily routine of the houseboat dwellers. Surprisingly, these houseboats seem more like homes than the usual houses that are made out of brick and stone.

With a large living area, bunk beds, kitchen and bathrooms, you will be astonished to see how the house offers warmth, comfort and homeliness without compromising on space. The House Boat Museum just 5 minutes’ walk from the Anne Frank House and Westerkerk Church is a must visit when in Amsterdam.

Smoking has been a part of cultures since ages. In fact, the first citation of smoking was reported as early as 5000BC and that too as a part of a religious ritual. We have come a long way since then and yet smoking remains the one way man can legally and openly subject himself to neuronal drugs.

Whether it is ritualistic, societal, leisure or a status symbol, smoking seems to be the one habit; man has kept alive (apart from drinking, of course!). So what best way to celebrate this kind of achievement than a Museum dedicated to the history of smoking and more precisely the tool for smoking – pipes.

The Pipe Museum or the Pijpenkabinet in Amsterdam is one of its kind in Europe. What started off as Don Duco’s passion for collecting and preserving pipes, has now turned into a celebrated museum that people from all over the world come to visit.

Don Duco started collecting pipes in 1969 and his hobby has led to a vast collection of over 20,000 pipes. Although the museum may not display each and every piece, the best of the lot are surely put on display. Some of the most prized possessions in the Pipe Museum are the ceramic pipes from the Dutch Golden Age. These pipes are now categorically regarded as an archeological find. With elaborate designs and mindboggling beauty, the little Pipe Museum is sure to blow you mind away.

If jewelry holds a special place in your heart and diamonds are your best friend then the Diamond Museum is a must see.

This two story museum gives its viewers a detailed tour on the history and yes the geography involved in bringing to you the perfectly cut diamond. In the past Amsterdam has been the hub for some of the finest and most trusted diamonds. Known for its unique cuts, quality and polish, Amsterdam since the 17th century centralized the Diamond market and trade. Today most of the polishing and cutting has moved from the city however it still ranks among the few trusted places in world whose diamonds are most cherished.

On visiting the Museum you are greeted by a short documentary which will get you to speed with how diamonds are obtained and what goes into making of each piece. Learn how to distinguish real from the imitations, be dazzled by the glittery exhibits of royal jewelry and watch the craftsmen at work producing some of the most precious stones on the planet.
Just a stone throw away from the Van Gogh Museum, the Diamond Museum is open to public at a minimal fee every day of the week.