Situated right in the heart of the city, this museum is very close to the famous Dam Square. It showcases the history of Amsterdam through films, artwork, and artifacts spanning over 1000 years. A notable highlight is the giant wooden Goliath, which is 350 years old. Previously, this building served as the city's orphanage. The displayed paintings are truly beautiful. Definitely worth a visit!
Samantha Jones
United Kingdom
I had a great time spending around two hours at the museum. I began with the panorama detailing Amsterdam's history and appreciated the varied perspectives it offered on common historical themes. Additionally, the ode to women exhibition was also a fantastic experience.
Amina Hassan
United States
This museum is quite small, but if you opt for an audio tour, you will get a more authentic portrayal of Amsterdam's history, as opposed to the typical self-congratulatory tone found in many historical museums. Their inner corridor exhibit, which is part of their 'experimental' section, confronts much of the unpleasant colonialist history and I appreciated the acknowledgment of these truths. The upstairs exhibit focused on the Lenape people from what is now the Northeast United States and highlighted themes of enslavement, displacement, subjugation, and murder through compassionate interviews with contemporary Lenape representatives. Very powerful!
My experience here was both fascinating and enriching! The exhibits are excellently curated, providing deep insights into the rich history and culture of the city. The interactive displays and multimedia presentations make learning engaging and enjoyable. I highly recommend it for those wanting to understand Amsterdam's unique heritage.
Emily Thompson
United States
Currently, the exhibit is located at the Hermitage (look for the Hart Museum) while the original site is undergoing restoration. It narrates the history of Amsterdam from around the 1600s to the present day. Audio tours are available, but since all descriptions are in English, they aren't essential unless you prefer that format. It's advisable to start the tour at the beginning on the right side by the top steps. A solid museum filled with visuals (mainly antique paintings) that beautifully complement the written history.