Allard Pierson Museum of Antiquities

At Oude Turfmarkt 127-129 in central Amsterdam, the Allard Pierson Museum presents archaeological and heritage collections from the University of Amsterdam. Its permanent exhibition, From the Nile to the Amstel, spans 10,000 years of cultural history, with Egyptian mummies, Greek pottery and Roman glass among the objects on display. The museum is a manageable stop for antiquity, with activities for children and canal views from some windows. Temporary exhibitions add subjects such as maps and food culture to the visit.

From the Nile to the Amstel

The permanent presentation From the Nile to the Amstel traces 10,000 years of cultural history through the University of Amsterdam’s heritage collections. The route begins with ancient Egypt and includes objects connected with the Near East, the Greek world, Etruria and the Roman Empire.

Look for Egyptian mummies, Greek pottery and Roman glass. The museum also holds plaster casts of well-known classical sculptures, alongside collections that extend beyond antiquity, including medieval bibles and manuscripts by Multatuli. Displays arranged by region help place objects in their wider setting.

Maps, activities and a cafe stop

The museum’s collections reach beyond archaeology. Its cartography holdings include maps and atlases, and temporary exhibitions have explored the history of Dutch mapmaking, including works dating from the 15th century onwards. Other temporary subjects have included food culture, so the exhibition programme can add a different angle to a visit.

Children can use brochures with questions and activities to engage with the displays. There is also an opportunity to piece together pottery shards from an Amsterdam excavation. A cafe on site provides a place to sit after exploring; some windows look out onto canals and Amsterdam street scenes.