History Museums in Amsterdam

THE 10 BEST Amsterdam History Museums

History Museums in Amsterdam

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Museums
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Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
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Speciality Museums • Science Museums
Amsterdam South-East
Showing results 1-30 of 35

What travellers are saying

  • samdani
    Wimborne Minster, UK32 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    this was one of the main reasons for our trip to Amsterdam and it didnt dissapoint the house is being renovated as there is scaffolding on the outside at the moment
    the audio was clear and informative as we walked around the building the house is hard to imagine how it originally was as obviously changed for use of museum but the annexe where anne and co lived for 2 years is in its original state
    quite steep steps if you have mobility issues and can be quite crowded in small spaces as you walk around but overall an enjoyable experience albeit a harrowing experience for them
    Written March 14, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • DAG058
    Alloa, UK17 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is an absolutely exceptional museum. I would say this was by far the best thing we done in Amsterdam! The exhibitions were superb, filled with detail and the audio guides really brought it all to life.

    The museum was unbiased and balanced, looking at the second world war from all aspects of the dutch population. Everything was done in a dignified and thoughtful manner.

    Our visit took us around 2 hours. I am a bit of a history buff but I definitely learnt a lot of new things. It really enhanced the rest of our visit to Amsterdam, imagining the things we had learnt at the museum actually happening on streets around us.
    Written March 13, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Pat D
    Ireland1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Guide was excellent and very informative. The windmill and the technology involved was fascinating . Can highly recommend.
    Written February 3, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • james96
    London, UK376 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Not really a great deal to see or do. It’s ok to tick off the list, and a couple of funny photos. Apart from that a quick visit and a little boring.
    Written March 9, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Roman Shopa
    Lviv, Ukraine479 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I must admit this museum was much larger than I expected. Some sections were easy to anticipate, but others really astonished me. Probably the most attractive ones are about whales and waling, as well as the ship East Indiaman Amsterdam. There were three more ships to visit for an additional payment, but I skipped that and yet was exhausted after exploring all exhibitions. Plan to have more than 3 hours for a visit.

    A disclaimer: I was there in August, 2023, not September.
    Written August 7, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Aga M
    Voorburg, The Netherlands3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    One day walking back from Anne Frank’s house I have stumbled across this hidden hidden jam – a photo studio in a monumental building that is very special. People pass by, but they really should stop and make an appointment. Over there you will go centuries back in time and transform yourself to Vermeer's or Rembrandt's live paintings. It isn't only the dress up or a final picture, but this as an incredible art journey and a history lesson. I've absorbed every bit of information that the owner of the studio has shared with me while drinking a cup of coffee. I've heard things that I have never heard before from anyone, not even from a museum guide. I've learned a lot and I am grateful for this unexpected art lesson passed by a knowledgeable and a passionate person. It's like a free open invitation to the depths of an art world. Every object in that lovely studio has its own story to tell, you just need to wanted to hear it. I had a great time and I would recommend this experience to anyone. It isn't very commercial and that is why it does not pop up on the top of touristic attractions lists, but I would say it will make your experience with Dutch art complete. So go and get your picture!
    Written March 1, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kate M
    3 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We very much enjoyed our time at the Rembrandt’s Amsterdam experience. It is not a museum, it is more like an experience that you can immerse yourself in and enjoy the dramatic performance of Rembrandt and his story. At the end there was an option to create some fun AI Rembrandt style artwork, which we look back on with fondness. It was a great 1 hour fun which we were able to slot in whilst we were waiting for a restaurant booking. Thank you for the great experience.
    Written July 3, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Thomas V
    Oakland, CA19,400 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was one of my favorite museums in town. Here I learned about the design of the city and the evolution of the canals. I also learned about the design of the canal houses with the gardens behind them. Just enough information.
    Written March 8, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • matthow
    Newport, UK443 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I studied Judaism at university and I was impressed with how well this tour explained how important Amsterdam was to the Jewish community in previous centuries and what a vibrant community it was , and still is, albeit smaller. The area about worship that talked about things like bar mitzvah and how the faith was worshipped day to day was fascinating and had some lovely exhibits. There are some exhibits about how the nazis particularly plundered the books and literature of the synagogues and that was also fascinating. Nice cafe also.
    Written June 23, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • meg
    London, UK126 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    located within h’art museum so can be difficult to find but very interesting takes you through the history of amsterdam. also had an exhibit based on the people of amsterdam which was very interesting
    Written November 17, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Zippy1
    Glasgow, UK252 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Visited Van Loon after having been at Willet-Holthuysen - as we both enjoy visiting period properties.

    The house is lovely and the rooms have an interesting mix of decoration (especially the wallpaper!).

    There is a lack of information about the house/rooms and items within it (in the UK there would likely be much more information about various items and the previous occupants). If you don't like reading lots of info however, you can just soak up the environs.

    There is a small garden and exhibition area in a building at the back with a rather grand facade.

    It's worth a visit if you like these kinds of properties, and I would recommend visiting with the I AMsterdam card so that you can maximise value by visiting other museums nearby. I probably wouldn't have paid to go in otherwise.
    Written November 14, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • emma
    Amsterdam, The Netherlands130 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I visited the Wereldmuseum on a school trip the other week … obtained terrible museum fatigue in the process but the exhibit we saw was very informative of the masked history of the Netherlands. This has been a certain point of frustration for me during my time in Amsterdam. The complete lack of discussion of colonization and imperialism imbedded within Dutch history is seldom talked about. I appreciated the Wereldmuseum for this.
    Written March 10, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Ivan T.
    Amsterdam, The Netherlands409 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fantastic museum explaining how housing changed in Amsterdam over the last hundred years as well as an amazing example of Amsterdam School of architecture. We've already recommended visiting this place to all our friends.
    Written February 5, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Paul W
    Manchester, UK153 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Hard to review as not entertainment, but importanmt it is seen, interesting and sad.

    I thought there could be more on groups like gay's/gypsies etc that were also persecuted in the Holocaust.

    Lots of places to sit down and watch the interactive multimedia exhibits, with the stories/interviews with the survivors.

    There was lots of security outside and in the foyer, so it did not feel veryt welcoming, but do not be put off, I guess they have to deal with people who may go to cause trouble.

    I went to this as I had the Iamsterdam card which gave free access, so worth checking out the Iamsterdam card, as I saved allot of money by using the card and tried a few things I would not have paid for, like this one.
    Written January 27, 2025
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • KPfeff
    Dallas360 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I'm not sure why this site isn't more highly rated here on TA - perhaps because it takes some advance effort to secure a reservation? Regardless, you do have to reach out to them via their website to secure a reservation in advance - I made mine about two months in advance for a visit at the end of November. The tour is free and it only lasts an hour - but what an hour it is. The paintings, architecture, and furnishings of the property are mesmerizing. You are left wanting more. The guide was full of interesting stories about the family and the contents. Please note they do not allow photography and they do not let you bring anything on the tour, so you will have to leave your coat/purse/bags in their cloakroom.
    Written December 11, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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