Amsterdam Museum, Amsterdam

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 Café '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 "GPSmyCity: 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
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Amsterdam, Netherlands

Create Your Own Walk in Amsterdam

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

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
Amsterdam's Historical Churches Walking Tour

Amsterdam's Historical Churches Walking Tour

The history of Amsterdam is deeply intertwined with its religious heritage. The city is home to several historical churches, each with its own unique charm and significance. These religious sites serve as both spiritual centers and architectural treasures that provide insight into the city's past.

Our walk starts in the Central Station area and leads you to visit the eight most prominent...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Amsterdam Food Tour

Amsterdam Food Tour

Amsterdam's food scene is a delightful fusion of local traditions and global influences. Making your way through the interlocking canals, pretty bridges, and a maze of streets laden with diverse eateries and bars may easily render you hankering for a bite to eat and/or a drink to wash it down with.

The diverse culinary landscape of Amsterdam caters to a wide range of tastes and...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Jordaan Walking Tour

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 cafés, 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
Jewish Quarter Walking Tour

Jewish Quarter Walking Tour

The Jodenbuurt (Jewish Quarter) of Amsterdam had been the center of the Dutch Jewish community from the 16th century up until the Second World War. The neighborhood is best known as the birthplace of Baruch Spinoza, the home of Rembrandt, and the Jewish ghetto under the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands.

Once crowded with open-air stalls, smoking factories and tenement buildings, the Old...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
City Center Walking Tour

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

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