The Amsterdam Historical Museum is located smack bang on the main Amsterdm shopping street and a very beautiful location it is indeed and at one time was the home of the city's orphans. The entrance is just off Kalverstraat right in the heart of the city a strange location for a museum.
But once inside away from the craziness of Kalverstraat you can relax and enjoy finding out about the city's history and the story of its people. How did the city begin? What was it like to live here hundreds of years ago? The museum is renowned for its portraits dating back several hundred years, showing the men of the civic guard. Because of their size, the paintings are on display in a separate building just around the corner. It has been roofed in and there they hang on the walls - in the Civic Guard Gallery, open to the public during daytime. Inside the museum you'll find a Rembrandt painting on show.
The recently updated section dealing with the 20-th century presents such topics as the Second World War in the city, daily life and building schemes, famous artists, growing up in Amsterdam, the new life of immigrants, the protest movement Provo, and much more. A large number of audiovisual and interactive programmers are on offer, and for children too there's lots to see and do.
In fact there's something for everyone in this museum. Matters of moment are presented in the temporary exhibitions, new angles on current questions. In the summer months you can relax outside in the museum's inner courtyards.
There's a shop offering a wide assortment of items, an attractive restaurant called David & Goliath catering for all weathers, with tables set under the shady trees on summer days. Come and discover Amsterdam as it really is, a city with a living past.
There are 2 wooden statues one of David (not so huge) and one huge monster statue of Goliath. Well worth a look and maybe a photo
What do the three crosses on the arms of Amsterdam stand for?
The origin of the city of Amsterdam's red and white coat of arms is not known for certain. Possibly the three St Andrew's crosses were adopted from the arms of the Van Amstel family. Amsterdam was given permission to surmount the shield with a crown in 1489 by Maximilian I (Holy Roman Emperor 1493-1519). Two lions were added as supports in the early sixteenth century. Finally, on 29 March 1947 Queen Wilhelmina granted Amsterdam the right to add her own motto to the city's arms: 'Heroic, Determined, Merciful'.
For the sixth time, the Amsterdam Historical Museum will be opening its doors until well into the small hours, to both new and old Museum Nighters, on 5 November 2006.
As always, the museum will be buzzing with unusual activities. The theme of this year’s Museum Night is the ‘Nostalgic Fair’. Come and have a good time in the Amsterdam Historical Museum!
OTHERS
Lost in the Water
From 21 April until 15 October 2006 visitors to the Amsterdam Historical Museum can have a look and the hundreds of different objects found have been unearthed during the construction on the North/South metro line, presently under construction.
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Singing in Amsterdam is the title of this exhibition about sorrow and love on the Amsterdam canals, street life and living at the foot of the beautiful Westertoren and in the rest of this lovely city.
Admission prices.
Adult E 6,00
Child under 6 gratis / free
Adults 65+ E. 4,50
CKV-pas / CJP-pas E 3,00
CKV-pas + CKV-bon E 2,00
Stadspas gratis / free
Museumkaart gratis / free
Amsterdam Pass gratis / free
Group reduction minimum 15 persons 25 %
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday, 10.00-17.00
Weekends and national holidays 11.00-17.00
Closed on 1 January, 30 April and 25 December
Guided tours available in Dutch, English, German, French, Italian, Turkish and Arabic
Groups are more than welcome at the museum.
Both independent tours and tours led by a museum guide. A tour group should not consist of more than twenty persons. Please book well in advance (guided tours must be reserved at least fourteen days ahead). Bookings can be made as follows:
By phone: Monday to Friday between 13.00 and 17.00 (T. +31 (0)20 5231743). Written confirmation is sent after the booking is made
