Nemo Museum and other Amsterdam, Netherlands Things to Do Tips

This was one of the stops on our Canal boat hop-on-hop-off tour.

Our first glance of it is this almost surreal-like green object projecting out of the water... in total juxtaposition to the antiquated architecture elsewhere in Amsterdam.

It is quite stunning, with clean lines and curves.

This is the largest futuristic science center in the Netherlands, and the extraodrdinary building was designed by Renzo Piano.

Here you enter into the world of science and technology, and what is nice here is that you can reach out and touch things, which in most museums you cannot. (The Science Museum in London is the same - you can touch most things).

This makes the experience all the more interactive and enjoyable for youngsters and oldies (like us! haha) alike.

Leave a Comment

Phone: 0900-9191100
Address: Oosterdok 2
Website: http://www.e-NEMO.nl

Here there is the culture of the canal. And it's a very nice one at that!

Just sitting back as the water gently laps against your boat, the sun is high in the sky and all is calm.

This is the stuff holiday are made of!

We did the Museumboot (Museum Boat) hop-on-hop-off tour, which gave us discounts into museums and galleries (although this didnt include the Van Gogh Museum, unbeknown to us!) It wasnt that expensive, and was enjoyable.

The weather was great and we didnt feel rushed in the least to meander around the museums and galleries.

It cost 14.25 euros for the day with stops at Central Station, Prinsengracht, Leidseplein, Herengracht, Muziektheater and the East Dock.

Leave a Comment

Directions: Throughout Amsterdam there are stops on the canals where you can hop on or hop off. We got on at the 1st stop which is just outside Centraal Station
Website: http://www.onlineamsterdamguide.com/

A nondescript building alongside a canal, hides what was once the hiding place and refuge for one of the most famous little girls in history today. Anne Frank. Her family and the van Pals family hid with her for more than two years during World War II.

To get into their Secret Annex you go through the false bookcase, and up some narrow steps. Most of the beds and furniture etc. is not there, only the pictures on the wall are visible to the visitor, the wash basin fixed to the wall in the kitchen etc. It's a pity there is not more on display, but with the crowds that come through this small area, it is not surprising.

I read her diary when I was myself a young lass, and still have a copy of it at home. It is one of those timeless books that I have read again as an adult. Very touching and real. The original diary is on display as part of the Anne Frank House's permanent exhibition under some glass. They have video footage of people who knew the Franks, plus others that tell of whta they went through in the war.

(I have taken this transcript from the website below):

Anne Frank writing in her diary on July 11, 1942.
'The hiding place at 263 Prinsengracht is relatively spacious. There is enough room for two families. This is unusual given that parents and children who go into hiding are frequently separated from each other. Most hiding places are small spaces in damp cellars or dusty attics. People hiding in the countryside are sometimes able go outside, but only if there is no danger of them being discovered.'

Anne’s father Otto Frank, the only family member to survive the ordeal, found his daughter’s diary and published it so the world would remember her.

A dark bit of history. A history that makes one shudder thinking of it even now. This secret annex is not spacious at all, especially considering the amount of people staying there at one time, but, compared to other hiding places in Amsterdam during that time, was rather spacious.

Leave a Comment

Phone: +31-20-5567100
Address: Prinsengracht 267
Directions: Prinsengracht 267, Jordaan quarter near Westerkerk.
Website: http://www.annefrank.org/content.asp?pid=1&lid=2

This was the area we stayed in Amsterdam.

Our hotel was a short 3 minute walk away form this suare. A pretty square, with the foreboding statue of the artiste himself, Rembrandt.

As an artist myself, this was quite a special moment.

Throughout school, one learns all about the masters of art, architecture, sculpture etc... and so when you are in the area where the artist lived and painted, it is quite awe-inspiring.

The square has developed over the years into a centre for nightlife with the opening of various hotels and cafes.

We had firsthand experience of the nightclubs - not being into nightclubs ourselves - they kept us awake every night with really loud music. Especially this one gay club round the corner. It was maybe nice for them, but not for anyone trying to sleep within a half mile radius!

So, although a nice square, not a good place to sleep.

Leave a Comment

Address: Rembrandtplein area

Van Gogh - so well known after his death, as is the way with so many fine artists unfortunately. He struggled to survive during his own life, depending on his brothers art-networking to sell his paintings to earn a meagre living.

The museum on the outside is quite ugly,but inside is modern but practical, and user-friendly. We made a video of ourselves and emailed it home to family in South Africa. This seemed quite popular with many people there!

One thing we werent happy about was that we were told our Museum boat tickets would give us a discount into the museum. But they didnt. So watch out when buying your 'so-called' canal boat tickets with all their 'many' advantages and discounts!

We bought a few prints from the shop there, a lesser-known rolling landscape in bold colours, and the well-known bedroom study. This photo is the closest port near the museum.

The main photo here is a scanned image of a mousepad at home (it has been relegated to the shelf however, as I have a new Pride & Prejudice one that has taken its place...) ;)

Leave a Comment

Phone: +31-20-5705252
Address: Paulus Potterstraat 7
Website: http://www.vangoghmuseum.nl