Amsterdam Historisch Museum and other Amsterdam, Netherlands Things to Do Tips

This fine museum located in a 17th Century orphanage has an outstanding collection of exhibits detailing the history of Amsterdam, from the time the area was first settled, to the present time. Amongst the treasures are a series of magnificent paintings of civic guards. Highly recommended.

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Phone: +31-20-5231822
Address: Kalverstraat 92
Website: http://www.ahm.nl

This is the home of the Netherlands greatest painter. Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn lived from 1606-1669, and during the period 1639-1659, lived in this house where he worked on many of his masterpieces. On display are a number of works by the master himself as well as works by pupils and followers.

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Phone: +31-205200400
Address: Jodenbreestraat 4
Website: http://www.rembrandthuis.nl

Located on the very popular Dam Square, this large building actually served as Amsterdams City Hall during its Golden Age in the 1600s. It is a classic example of Dutch Baroque Architecture. It is best to either call or check with the tourist offices for hours concerning opening hours as it is often closed.

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Phone: +31-20- 6204060
Address: Dam 1
Website: http://www.koninklijkhuis.nl

One of the great museums of the world, the Riijiksmuseum is the national art museum of the Netherlands. Here one can see masterpeices of the golden age. Works by Rembrandt, Hals, Steen, Vermeer and others. The Nightwatch is here, (see photo) Rembrandts most famous canvas (and my personal favorite).

Most of the museum is currently closed through 2008, but 300 of the best works are on display in the Phillips Wing. The exhibition is called "The Masterpeices".

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Phone: +31-20-6747047
Address: Stadhouderskade 42
Website: http://www.rijksmuseum.nl

Nearly everyone knows about the Diary of Anne Frank. The young girl who, with her family and some others, hid from the Nazis during WWII. here is the house in which they hid during the years of 1942-1944. It was then that the people in hiding were betrayed and arrested, and then sent to concentration camps.

One can see the rooms and the swinging bookcase that led to the rooms upstairs. There are exhibits and rare documents from the Franks and their associates. And then of course there is Annes actual diary, given to her by her father on her 13th birthday. It is quite emotional.

Everyone who visits Amsterdam should visit Anne Franks House. It is testiment to the horrors of nazi Occupation and the Jewish Holocaust. Be prepared for long lines.

Around the corner, one can see a poignant statue dedicated to Anne. (See photo)

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Phone: +31-20-5567100
Address: Prinsengracht 267
Website: http://www.annefrank.nl

This museum houses the worlds largest collection of the dutch painters work. One can trace the chronology of styles and colors used during his short and tragic, yet productive life. Works of art by many of his contemporaries are here as well.

As this is one of Amsterdams most popular museums, be prepared for the possibility of long lines, especially during peak tourist season.

Note: No photography is permitted inside. Not even without a flash.

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

The imposing building of this museum houses the national museum of maritime history. It tells the story of sea travel from ancient history to more recent times.
Moored along side the museum building, is a full scale model of the "Amsterdam". It was one of the largest ships in the fleet of the United East India Company.

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Phone: +31-20-5232222
Address: Kattenburgerplein 1
Website: http://www.scheepvaartmuseum.nl

One of Amsterdams most unusual museums, yet most popular! Located on the edge of the famous Red Light District, this multifloor museum displays a wide variety of items related to well,sex. There are artifacts dating to all periods of history. Then there are more recent things to see like photographs and works of art by contemporary artists. If you have an open mind, the Sex Museum is certainly worth a visit. Sorry, no pics.

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Phone: +31-20-6228376
Address: Damrak 18

This impressive building was founded in 1670 by the Sephardic Jewish community which had previously established themselves in Amsterdam after the original expulsions from Spain and Portugal. Though there were some minor alterations in the following 2 centuries, it remains largely as it was in the late 17th Century, a beautiful example of Secular Architecture of the period.

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Directions: Waterlooplein

This wonderful museum located in a series of 17th and 18th Century Synagogues features exhibits on the temples and the history of the Jews of Amsterdam. There also more generalized exhibits on the Jewish Religion. A special section geared to children is also found on the premises.

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Phone: +31-20-6269945
Address: Jonas Daniel Meijerplein 2-4
Website: http://www.jhm.nl