Location: Amsterdam
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The 10 Best History Museums in Amsterdam, North Holland Province
This city, full of colorful homes, canals and bridges, is one of Europe's most picturesque capitals. Must-sees on any visitor's itinerary include the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum and the world's only floating flower market. Rent a bike and join thousands of locals navigating Amsterdam's labyrinthine streets, or just take in the sights on foot. For an unusual and memorable alternative to hotels, consider staying in a houseboat.
Restaurants in Amsterdam
1. Museumwoning Tuindorp Oostzaan
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
House in original state, how people lived in the first part of de twentieth century
2. Museumhuis Gemeenlandshuis Amsterdam
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Come and have a look at the stately Gemeenlandshuis. The house is surrounded by water. The hall has beautiful ornate plasterwork, a monumental staircase, rooms with huge fireplaces and views of the surrounding area. For almost 275 years, this belonged to the body of surveyors of the surrounding dikes. Come and explore the rooms where the water board councilors and committee members wined and dined
3. Joods Historisch Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,045 reviews
The Jewish Historical Museum is a modern museum of Jewish heritage housed in four monumental synagogues near Waterlooplein in the heart of Amsterdam. Three permanent exhibitions present the history and culture of the Jewish people in the Netherlands. In addition to the three permanent exhibitions, the museum always offers two great temporary exhibitions and the fun JHM Children's museum.
Reviewed By MissEmilyMc - London, United Kingdom
The Jewish Historical Museum has a main focus on Jewish history, religion and culture which is located in the Jewish Quarter. Throughout the museum there are a range of different objects relating to Jewish life - some being interactive such as being to click on an object through a screen to find out more information regarding it to objects that can be used in the home but also serve a religious purpose. There's a clear contrast as to how religion has changed but in many ways stayed the same. The next floor focuses on the links with Israel, which is mainly seen through the use of an audio guide (which is free as it comes included with the ticket). The next floor represents the history of Jews moving to Amsterdam and the effect that this had on their life throughout the ages - since they had fled from their homes due to anti-Jewish actions and persecutions (during the Middle Ages). The next part of the museum focuses on the history of the Jews from the 1900's to present day, much of which includes information in the form of interviews, films, photos and interviews to see life for Dutch Jews during the Second World War. This museum takes about an hour at least to get through with each object containing detailed information as well as the audio guide serving as a personal guide for when walking around the museum. The museum also features a Children's Museum in which contains a study room in which is used to show visually the different forms of Jewish life such as a Torah as well as a board with letters from a Hebrew book. If you have a big rucksack or a handbag you won't be allowed to bring this in - there are lockers available - but like anything is, this is at your own risk.
4. Anne Frank House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62,301 reviews
The Anne Frank House (Dutch: Anne Frank Huis) is a museum dedicated to Jewish wartime diarist Anne Frank. The building is located on a canal called the Prinsengracht, close to the Westerkerk, in central Amsterdam in the Netherlands. As a visitor, you experience this story through a audio tour, quotes, photos, videos, and original items. The Anne Frank House can only be visited with an online ticket for a specific date and time.
Reviewed By Skiforever1223 - Salt Lake City, United States
This is a very special museum for many reasons but I was pleasantly surprised by how beautifully the museum created the narrative and the spaces they created. My two teenage daughters and I will never forget this experience. I loved the amazing artwork at the end portraying scenes recreated from the hiding place and also recommend taking time to watch the touching tributes video at the end where you hear visitors’ experiences and guest book comments from Nelson Mandela, Steven Spielberg and more. Read or re-read Anne Frank’s diary prior to visiting to really feel the spirit of this young reminder of so many tragically lost. You do have to reserve tickets online. Per the website: 80% of tickets are released exactly two months in advance at 12:00* hours noon, 20% on the day itself. Every day at 9:00* hours, the tickets for the day are made available on this site. (*Amsterdam time). The museum recommends this for children 10 and older. I would recommend 11 yrs. for a well-prepared child. It is a quiet, sober tour and there is one brief concentration camp scene that is graphic. Bag check and audio guides included with your ticket and there is a cafe and shop for after your tour. No photography. You line up outside at your assigned time slot until it’s time for your group to go in and it’s best to take a picture of your ticket rather than try to pull it up in your email because connectivity is spotty. The actual house/store is encased and preserved by the museum surround on Prinsengracht street. We booked an evening visit which also added to the poignancy as you leave the museum and see the canals lit by street lights. Highly recommend.
5. Het Scheepvaartmuseum| The National Maritime Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,166 reviews
Het Scheepvaartmuseum, The National Maritime Museum, tells inspiring stories of how the sea is in our genes. Come and enjoy the stimulating, interactive exhibitions and the stunning 17th century building.
Reviewed By SPeeeAndDeeee - Toronto, Canada
One of the stops on the Hop on Hop Off is the National Maritime Museum.My wife who is museum averse loved the guided tour of the Amsterdam sailing ship replica which gave one a good insight into the real life on a ship instead of the romanticized"Pirates of the Caribbean" world. Some of the static displays in the very large main building were hard to find & visit without searching multiple floors . The service in the on site restaurant was absolutely atrocious. We gave up after half an hour with out our order being taken and asking three staff members to take it
6. Tropenmuseum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,127 reviews
The Tropenmuseum is a museum about people, housed in an impressive listed building overlooking Amsterdam's Oosterpark. The extensive permanent display and regularly changing exhibitions feature objects that all have a story to tell about humankind. Stories about universal human themes like mourning, celebration, ornamentation, prayer, conflict. From Africa to West and Southeast Asia, from New Guinea to Latin America: come to the Tropenmuseum and discover that, despite cultural differences, we are all essentially the same.
Reviewed By Clare4561 - Salisbury, United Kingdom
I visited the Tropen Museum because it was within easy walking distance of my hostel Stayokay Oost and I was very pleased I did so. It had a wide range of exhibits on modern relevant issues: the Japanese Anime phenomenon; pilgrimage to Mecca and the Dutch colonisation of Indonesia and slavery issues. I also highly recommend the Tropperje (Dutch mini pancakes) in the restaurant.
7. Verzetsmuseum Amsterdam
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,402 reviews
Rein Mulder auteur Fotograaf 1927-2007 liet boek na Amsterdamse jongen in oorlogstijd: zoon Rein Mulder jr gaf memoires bij uitgeverij, en werd pakkend boek Koninklijke brief gehad ligt ook in Verzetsmuseum met boek 2016 kwam boek pas uit. Boek in oorlogstijd literatuurplein op luister CD. Voor de rest Verzetsmuseum geweldig voor scholen, 70 miljoen doden door rassenhaat 1940-1945 dat maag nooit meer gebeuren 1940-1945
Reviewed By OldGuysStillTravel - Greater London, United Kingdom
We arrived rather late in the day with the museum closing within 75 minutes. The staff on entering were fantastic, probably the most genuinely enthusiastic welcome I have ever been greeted with in a museum. We were told that it would be difficult to see all the museum in the time we had before closing. They gave advice as to the bits to skip in order to take in the most important elements of the museum. The excellent audio guide is free making this museum great value with an entrance fee of €11. The museum gives a sobering insight into the Dutch resistance movement and Amsterdam life in general during WWII. Located close to Artis Zoo I would recommend doing both on the same day, leaving 2 hours to do this museum justice. On a final note I really would like to thank all on duty at the museum on the evening Dec 3rd - you were all fantastic.
8. Amsterdam Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 81 reviews
Located in a passageway between the Kalverstraat and the Begijnhof it is possible to admire 15 substantial paintings. These are portraits of the Amsterdam Civic Guards from the 17th Century. Part of, though not actually in, the Amsterdam Historic Museum, this is probably the only place in the world where paintings are displayed in he open air, with only a glass roof to protect them.
Reviewed By lottyv2018 - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
This is a quick, free, and easy way to get a dose of Dutch history, tradition, and art through the institution of civic guard portraits.
9. Museum of the Canals
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 692 reviews
Grachtenmuseum Amsterdam (The Museum of the Canals) is the starting point for visitors to Amsterdam! It is located in one of the most beautiful canalside houses. Grachtenmuseum Amsterdam introduces visitors to one of the best city development projects in the world: the 17th-century canals of Amsterdam. During your visit to the multimedia, interactive exhibition, you will travel in 40 minutes through 400 years of history.
Reviewed By luckytrotter
This is a cosy museum with a wonderful and friendly staff. The multimedia presentation is lively, fun, interesting and informative. It’s a lovely experience if you’re interested in history and city planning. We loved it!
10. Bezoekerscentrum De Dageraad
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Behind the wave-shaped facade of the famous working-class housing complex De Dageraad, you will find information about the art and architecture of the Amsterdam School. At the beginning of the last century, H.P. Berlage designed the now famous Plan Zuid. He introduced a new way of urban planning, in which there was room for wide streets, atmospheric squares and green parks. The characteristic architecture of the many Amsterdam School artists still adorns the street plan. The expressionistic facades and beautiful ornaments are recognizable throughout the neighborhood. Residential complex De Dageraad is the Amsterdam School in its purest form. Architects Michel de Klerk and Piet Kramer were commissioned to design all facets of the streetscape. In addition to the street facades, they also designed the rear facades and floor plans. This led to a form of total art in which beauty was central. Museum De Dageraad is the starting point for many walks and cycling tours in the neighbourhood.
Reviewed By neil20192019 - London, United Kingdom
I visited De Dageraad, the day after my visit to the Het Schip museum. This is another brilliant example of Amsterdam School architectural style. I joined the 3pm English tour which was expertly led by my two guides, who were happy to answer questions and gave a very informative tour of the social housing scheme. The 30 minute video also gives an overview of the timeline to the Amsterdam School architectural style. Highly recommended.
