1. Anne Frank House
Prinsengracht 267 (Westerkerk)
www.annefrank.nl |
What is it? This museum is dedicated to the memory of
Anne Frank whose famous diary, recorded over a two-year period,
describes the experiences of a Jewish teenager during World War II.
Part of the house was used as a hiding place by the Franks and
others to escape Nazi persecution. The families were later
discovered and sent to their deaths in the concentration camps.
Otto Frank was the only survivor. The original diary is on display
as part of the permanent exhibition. The museum also hosts
temporary exhibits that focus on related
issues.
Hours of Operation: Daily 9am to 7pm; and 9am to 9pm (15 March to 14
September). Note that the queues can be long
Phone:(020) 556 7105 |
2. Van Gogh Museum
Paulus Potterstraat 7
www.vangoghmuseum.nl |
What is it? The museum houses a permanent display of
several hundred of the artist's paintings and drawings. The
collection is organised according to three criteria. The first of
these is the work of Vincent van Gogh, which is divided into five
notable periods. Then there is the display of work of other artists
including those of his friends and contemporaries. The third
section is the showcase of the museum's history recording its
progress with a feature on the development of the new wing designed
by Japanese architect, Kisho Kurokawa, built to house the temporary
exhibitions.
Hours of Operation: Daily 10am to 6pm, Fridays 10am to
10pm
Phone:(020) 570 5200 |
3. The Rijksmuseum
Jan Luijkenstraat 1
www.rijksmuseum.nl |
What is it? The Rijksmuseum was opened in 1885 and is
best known for its collection of 17th century Dutch Masters such as
Rembrandt, Vermeer, Frans Hals and Jan Steen. The most notable of
these is Rembrandt's masterpiece, the Night Watch. The museum
contains thousands of other paintings and artefacts in its Asiatic
collection, Print Room, Dutch History and Applied Arts sections. A
visit to the museum should include a trip into its delightful
garden adorned with bright flowers, fountains, sculptures and
summerhouses. Nestled within the garden is a collection depicting
five centuries of Dutch architecture. It is advisable to consult a
map or purchase a CD audio tour for an orientation to the extensive
collection.
Hours of Operation: Daily 9am to 6pm (closing at 10pm on Fridays). Closed
1 January
Phone:(020) 674 7000 |
4. Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art
Post CS building, Oosterdokskade 5 (temporary location
until 2008)
www.stedelijk.nl |
What is it? The museum closely traces the development in
art of the second half of the 20th century, showcasing the most
impressive collections of modern art in Amsterdam. The permanent
exhibition focuses on De Stijl, Cobra, Nouveau Realisme, Pop Art,
Colorfield Painting, Zero and Minimalist Art while temporary
exhibitions on design and applied art are housed in the new wing.
The museum at Paulus Potterstraat is currently closed until
2008.
Hours of Operation: Daily 10am to 6pm. Closed 1 January
Phone:(020) 573 2911 |
5. Rembrandt House
Jodenbreestraat 4
www.rembrandthuis.nl |
What is it? This museum provides an insight into the life
and times of the famous painter. Rembrandt lived here between 1639
and 1658 at the height of his career. The museum presents a
permanent collection of Rembrandt's work, a reconstructed 17th
century studio together with temporary exhibitions and a collection
of paintings done by his teacher, Pieter Latman, and those of
Rembrandt's pupils.
Hours of Operation: Daily 10am to 5pm (open from 11am on Sundays and
public holidays). Closed 1 January
Phone:(020) 520 0400 |
6. Amsterdam Historisch Museum
Kalverstraat 92
www.ahm.nl |
What is it? Housed in a former orphanage, The Historical
Museum explores Amsterdam's development from a small medieval
settlement along the river into a thriving modern city. The
museum's galleries showcase the progress of each century, with
particular emphasis given to Holland's Golden Age. The museum
provides a showpiece of Dutch Master paintings, archaeological
discoveries, gold, silver, glass and earthenware and other
artefacts. The museum fee covers entry to the Civic Guards Gallery.
This is a glass-roofed gallery stretching between Kalverstraat and
the Begijnhof, lined with portraits of Amsterdam's Civic Guards
dating back to the 17th century.
Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm; Saturday and Sunday
11am to 5pm. Closed 1 January, 29 April, 25 December
Phone:(020) 523 1822 |
7. Red Light District (De Wallen)
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What is it? A visit to Amsterdam would not be complete
without a stroll around the notorious Red Light District. The
atmosphere can be chaotic with throngs of tourists jostling for
space alongside city slickers, pimps and drug dealers. The
prostitutes of De Wallen are part of a legal and regulated industry
that includes compulsory health checks and taxable income.
Prostitution is by no means the only attraction of the area. The
district's architecture comprises a scenic mix that dates back to
the Middle Ages. Areas to explore include Waterlooplein, Zeedijk
and Nieuwmarkt Square. Waterlooplein is the location of the modern
City Hall and Muziek Theatre. The square was created in 1880 from
two canals that were filled and then allocated to Jewish traders
who used to ply their wares on its pavements. Nieuwmarkt Square was
also once home to a thriving Jewish community, mainly Portuguese
Jews who had fled from persecution during the Spanish Inquisition.
The cultural diversity of this area extends to Zeedijk Street,
which is often referred to as Chinatown. The street runs from the
Saint Olof Chapel to De Waag.
Hours of Operation:
Phone: |
8. Our Dear Lord in the Attic (Museum Amstelkring)
Oudezijds Voorburgwal 40
www.museumamstelkring.nl |
What is it? This concealed Catholic church (the combined
top floors of a 17th century canal house) is a reminder of the
Alteration period in Holland. Protestantism was declared the
official religion and churches like this one relied on clandestine
activity for their survival. The building's lower floors became a
museum in 1888 housing a collection of church artefacts and
paintings. It is located to the edge of the Red Light
District.
Hours of Operation: Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm (open from 1pm on
Sundays and public holidays). Closed 1 January and 30
April
Phone:(0)20 624 6604 |
9. The Dutch Resistance Museum (Verzetsmuseum)
Plantage Kerklaan 61
www.verzetsmuseum.org |
What is it? A trip to this museum provides a fascinating
insight into the activities of the Dutch Resistance Movement during
World War II. Displays of false documents, weaponry and other
equipment provide testimony to the bravery and innovation of its
members.
Hours of Operation: Tuesday to Friday 10am to 5pm; Saturday, Sunday,
Monday and public holidays 12pm to 5pm
Phone:(0)20 620 2535 |
10. The Royal Palace (Koninklijk Paleis)
Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 147, Dam Square
www.koninklijkhuis.nl |
What is it? Although the Royal Palace is the official
Royal residence it is mainly used for functions as the family
reside in The Hague. The building dates back to 1648 and was
originally designed for use as Amsterdam's city hall. King Louis
Napoleon however had other plans. In 1808 he turned the city hall
into a palace. A large collection of furniture from this period
adorns its interiors. Guided tours are offered to visitors (these
need to be booked two weeks in advance). *The Royal Palace will be
closed for renovations from 8 September 2005 until early
2008*
Hours of Operation: 12.30pm to 5pm; closed Mondays and Fridays (November,
January and February). Guided tours can be booked on (020) 624
8698
Phone:(0)20 620 4060 |
11. Maastricht
www.vvvmaastricht.nl |
What is it? Maastricht is the oldest city in the
Netherlands, peacefully perching on the banks of the Maas River. It
is also one of the sunnier spots, located at Holland's southernmost
point, squeezed in between the Belgium and German borders. Ancient
fortifications provide pleasant walking routes and some of these
can be explored on the city's western outskirts. The
Bonnefantenmuseum traces the city's historical roots, and makes for
a good introduction to one's visit. Another must-see is the
Basilica of Saint Servatius. It is a medieval cruciform basilica
with a significant collection of religious artefacts as well as the
burial place of Holland's first bishop. In the old centre of
Maastricht is a selection of shops and department stores. Here one
can also savour the fine food that Maastricht has developed a
reputation for. A selection of wines from nearby vineyards can be
savoured with the cuisine that has been influenced by the
distinctive tastes of its neighbours. Maastricht is located 133
miles (215km) from Amsterdam.
Hours of Operation:
Phone: |
12. International Court of Justice
Carnegieplein 2
www.vredespaleis.nl |
What is it? The Peace Palace was so named to import its
significance as a place of arbitration for the maintenance and
promotion of world peace. Situated in The Hague, the building
houses the International Court of Justice, the Permanent Court of
Arbitration and The Hague Academy of International Law. It was here
(in 1946) that the first session of the International Court of
Justice was held. Four guided tours are conducted daily. The Hague
is located approximately 35 miles (57km) from
Amsterdam.
Hours of Operation: Guided tours Monday to Friday at 10am, 11am, 2pm, 3pm
and 4pm
Phone:(0)70 302 4242 |
13. Waterland Neeltje Jans
Eiland Neeltje Jans, Faelweg 5
www.neeltjejans.nl |
What is it? Enjoy a whole day with marine animals,
experience fantastic attractions and see and learn about the world
famous Delta Works at this spectacular water park. Attractions
include the storm surge barrier, Delta Expo, a waterslide and water
playground, whale world exhibition and a hurricane
simulator.
Hours of Operation: Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm (winter), 10am to
5.30pm (summer)
Phone:(0)111 655 655 |
14. Royal Delftware Factory
Rotterdamseweg 196, Delft
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What is it? The white and blue decorative pottery, the
trademark of Royal Delftware, was influenced by Chinese porcelain
brought back from the east by the tradesmen of the Dutch East India
Company. The Royal Delftware Factory (Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles)
is the only remaining earthenware factory in Delft and dates back
to the 17th century. Visitors to the factory can see painting
demonstrations, attend painting workshops or visit the factory's
museum and showroom. Delft is 30 miles (47km) south of Amsterdam,
near The Hague.
Hours of Operation:
Phone: |
