Amsterdam Museum tells the story of the Dutch capital through art, objects, films and interactive displays. Its collection traces the city from its medieval beginnings through the trading boom of the 17th century to contemporary Amsterdam, with subjects ranging from daily life and immigration to social change. Look for paintings and archaeological finds, watch the films, and seek out the giant wooden Goliath, more than 350 years old. The museum is at Kalverstraat 92, though its original building has been undergoing renovation and exhibitions have also been shown at other venues.
A city told through objects and art
The collection brings together paintings, photographs, furniture, textiles, books, journals and archaeological material. These objects connect the city’s history to the routines of home and work, as well as to major changes in Amsterdam’s fortunes. Art is central to the way the story is presented: paintings sit alongside objects and records rather than being separated from the city’s history.
The museum’s holdings include tens of thousands of objects, with figures in the supplied descriptions ranging from more than 70,000 to over 100,000. Displays cover the period from the Middle Ages to the present. Because the museum has shown exhibitions at more than one venue during renovation, check its website to find out where a particular part of the collection is currently on view.
From medieval town to trading power
Amsterdam’s story begins as a small settlement and follows its growth into a major European trading city. The 17th century receives particular attention, including the trades that helped shape the city during its Golden Age. Later displays carry the account forward, with subjects including migration, daily life, the Second World War and contemporary social movements.
The exhibitions also take up parts of Amsterdam’s identity that reach beyond commerce and architecture. They explore subjects such as free thought, the Red Light District, Rembrandt, Ajax and the legalisation of cannabis. Together, these topics place familiar features of the city within a longer account of how Amsterdam has changed.
Making sense of the displays
Interactive presentations, films and computer-generated maps add context to the artworks and historical objects. One exhibition, Amsterdam DNA, provides an overview of the city’s history. The displays also include accounts of how Amsterdam grew and contracted over several centuries, giving visitors a way to follow changes in the city’s shape as well as its culture.
Families can look for The Little Orphanage, an exhibit about life in a 17th-century orphanage. During school holidays, the museum has also held workshops and guided tours for children. A book accompanying the exhibits guides younger visitors through the city’s story with Gigi, a pigeon character. The giant wooden Goliath is another distinctive object to look for; it is more than 350 years old.
FAQ
Where is the Amsterdam Museum?
The address provided is Kalverstraat 92, Amsterdam. The original building has been undergoing renovation, and exhibitions have also been presented at other venues, so check the museum website for the current location.
What can you see at the Amsterdam Museum?
The collection includes paintings, photographs, household objects and archaeological material, with displays tracing Amsterdam from the Middle Ages to the present. Amsterdam DNA, films and interactive exhibits offer additional context.
How long should you spend at the Amsterdam Museum?
The supplied information does not give a typical visit length. Leave time to watch the films as well as explore the collection.
Is the Amsterdam Museum suitable for children?
The museum has a family-focused exhibit about life in a 17th-century orphanage and has held school-holiday workshops and guided tours for children.
