The Amsterdam Museum pays homage to all things that make this smaller-sized European city a contender on a world stage. With a population of just under one million inhabitants, Amsterdam has long impacted art, commerce and culture around the globe.
First opened in 1926 on the Wagg, a city gate from the 15th-century and part of the city wall, the museum was moved to its current location in 1975. Even its location is of interest, as the current building stands where a medieval monastery once stood and was also the City of Amsterdam’s orphanage, operating from 1578 until 1960.
Amsterdam Museum - one of the highlights of 10 Best Museums and Galleries in Amsterdam (Read all about Amsterdam here)
photo by Fred Romero (CC BY 2.0) modified
Highlights of the Amsterdam Museum
The Amsterdam Museum houses artifacts related to Amsterdam’s history from the Medieval Ages onward. The large collection offers a unique look at the city’s relationship with the sea, people, art and trade. There are paintings by local masters, glass, books, statues, busts, clothing, toys and maps on display throughout the three-story facility.
Some of the favorite exhibits of the Amsterdam Museum are Amsterdam DNA, which utilises images, sounds and objects to tell an hour-long history of the city, as well as the Little Orphanage, which is an interactive hands-on opportunity to experience life in the 17th-century orphanage.
Nice facts to remember about visiting Amsterdam Museum
Leading up to the Amsterdam Museum is the Amsterdam Gallery, which is part of the museum, but not in it, and contains paintings of the Amsterdam Civic Guards from the 17th century. It is one of the only “museum streets” in the world where paintings are exposed to open air with only a glass ceiling to protect them.
There are audio tour options available for visitors. The history of the city is presented in chronological order on three stories of the facility. The museum also brings in traveling exhibits in addition to the static offerings. Located in the city, there are several public transportation options.
Amsterdam Museum
Location: Kalverstraat 92, 1012 PH Amsterdam, Netherlands
Open: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm
Phone: +31 (0)20 523 1822
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