Amsterdam's Historisch Museum
Kalverstraat 92
Phone: 523-1822
The museum is located within what was a former convent and orphanage dating back to the sixteenth century. Various sections of the museum, however, date back to the thirteenth century, a time when the city was in the boom of development. The museum has various exhibitions; all portraying the sequence of Amsterdam's evolving history from early dates to present day. The Begijnhof, a widely popular courtyard, might be the perfect place to take a break and enjoy the surrounding scenery.
Anne Frankhuis
Prinsengracht 263
Phone: 556-7100
Guided tours by prior arrangement.
Quite possibly one of the Amsterdam's most popularly visited sight - this was the place where Anne Frank, her sister Margot, her parents, and four other Jews went into hiding in 1942. Anne Frankhuis is a central fixture of remembrance for the persecution suffered during the war. The museum not only stands as a symbol to combat prejudice, discrimination and oppression; but it also works against current developments in racism, Neo-Fascism and anti-Semitism. A statue of Anne Frank, as well as a display of different editions of the diary, is featured within the museum.
Hollandse Schouwburg
Plantage Middenlaan 24
Phone: 626-9945
During World War II, the theater was used as a collection ground for Jews who were to be sent off to the camps. Standing as a small structure amidst the streets of Amsterdam, this building embodies a large portion of the tragedy that befell this era.
Universiteitsmuseum de Agnietenkapel
Oudezijds Voorburgwal 231
Phone: 525-3341
Amsterdam is a city that overflows with architectural style. The Agnietenkapel, built in 1473 and part of the university since its foundation in 1632, is wonderful representation of the Gothic style that once filled the chapels of Amsterdam. The chapel itself features an immense beauty within its austere, and lovely stained-glass windows. The museum, however, is showcases the history of education, research and student life.
Verzetsmuseum Amsterdam
Plantage Kerklaan 61
Phone: 620-2535
The Museum of the Resistance includes collections of artifacts and interactive displays that represent the resistance movement within Amsterdam. The museum focuses attention on such themes as sabotage, espionage and the February. An interesting feature within the museum is that visitors can hear mock radio broadcasts, while they peruse the make-up of this mock hideout.
Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art
Paulus Potterstraat 13 (at Museumplein).
Phone: 020-573-2737
If your interest involves the contemporary fine arts - then this is the place to be. Amsterdam's contemporary art museum, showcases the works of not only modern Dutch painters such as Karel Appel, Willem de Kooning, and Piet Mondrian; but the museum also has a section to illustrate the works of French artists: Chagall, Cézanne, Picasso,
Renoir, Monet, and Manet. American modern artist also have a section of ther own. In fact, the museum features one of the largest collection of paintings by the abstract Russian artist Kasimir Malevich.
The Rijksmuseum
Stadhouderskade 42 (behind Museumplein, halfway between Leidseplein and
Wetering-plantsoen)
Phone: 020-673-2121 or 0900-8898-1212
The Rijksmuseum includes a magnificent collection of works by Dutch artists, including one of the most famous works, The Night Watch, by Rembrandt. A great feature for visitors is the museum's touch-screen interactive information center. The new system provides visitors with information on over 700 of the museum's exhibits.
Van Gogh Museum
Paulus Potterstraat 7 (at Museumplein)
Phone: 020-570-5200
Van Gogh's paintings were defined by seven distinct periods, and this is the way the museum is laid-out. The van Gogh collection, which consists of more than 200 pieces, is arranged in chronological order, allowing visitors to glimpse the 10-year career of this great artist.
New Metropolis Science and Technology Center
Oosterdok 2
Phone: 0900-919-1100
A great outing for the family! This science and technology hub, features of hands-on interactive displays, a museum, demonstrations, workshops, and theater and film show. The museum is a port for learning, and the technology allows for there to be Internet-linked computers on every floor.
Heineken Reception Center
Stadhouderskade 78 (on the Singelgracht, near the Rijksmuseum)
Phone: 020-523-9666
Dating back as early as 1868, these former Heineken brewing facilities now offer visitors the chance to tour the brewing process, as well as learn about the company's history. Guides will lead you through the fermentation tanks, and showcase a multiscreen video wall that will explain 5,000 years of brewing history in 5 minutes. The impressive brewery show, and the two complimentary glasses of Heineken draw visitors in every year.
Holland Experience
Waterlooplein 17
Phone: 020-422-2233
The Holland Experience offers visitors just that - a complete tour of Holland. The multidimensional film and theater show provides scenic views and historical stories on the development of Holland. An impressive feature of the Holland experience is the simulated display outlining what would happen if the 80,000 liters of salt water were to penetrate the dikes system of defense.
Madame Tussaud's Amsterdam
Dam 20
1012 NP Amsterdam
Phone: 31-020-523-0623
Fax: 31-020-523-0629
The glory of Holland's Golden Age, is the focus of this unique wax museum. Moving wax figures depict a historical journey through Holland. The special effects help to create a vivid impression of life in Holland.
Canal trips
Damrak by Central Station, and Rokin by the Spui
While visiting Amsterdam, you can't miss out on a boat tour. The canal trips offer visitors a unique view of Amsterdam from the water. The tours take visitors around the city and through the harbor.
Canal Bikes
(Westerkerk, Leidseplein, Leidsestraat, Rijksmuseum)
Canal Bikes provide a challenge to brave the waters and create your own tour through Amsterdam's canals. Canal bikes can be rented from most locations, and they allow visitors to choose their own route of travel, as well as provide a unique experience
Electrische Museum Tramlijn Amsterdam
Haarlemmermeerstation, Amstelveenseweg 264
Phone: 0900-673-7538
The Electrische museum is unlike most ordinary museums, this one offers kids a ride through history! Visitors can take a closer look at the antique electric tram carriages as well as embark on a 60-minute round trip in one of the antique trolleys.
Archeon
Archeonlaan 1, Alphen aan den Rijn
Phone: 0172- 447-744
The Archeon offers visitors of all ages a trip through history. Visitors can stroll through the dinosaur's era, or take a take a tour of the Roman era - this museum has it all. The museum specializes in interactive and hands-on exhibits.
Efteling
Europalaan 1, Kaatsheuvel, Noord Brabant
Phone: 0416- 288-111
Efteling is an enormous fairytale forest, where children and adults alike can venture into Grimm's fairytales and the Tales of the Arabian Nights. The village is full of dwarves and witches, enchanted and haunted castles. Efteling also provides its visitors with thrill rides in this state-of-the-art amusement. Souvenir shopping is exquisite here!
Madurodam
George Maduroplein 1, The Hague Den Haag
Phone: 070-355-3900
Madurodam features scale models of some of Holland's most famous sights - everything from Rotterdam's Erasmus Bridge to Schiphol Airport. The miniature village is built on a 1:25 ratio.
Museum van Speelklok tot Pierrement
Buurkerkhof 10, Utrecht
Phone: 030-231-2789
Museum van Speelklok tot Pierrement showcases a unique antique collection of mechanical music boxes, circus, fairground and street organs. There is also a grand selection of featured toys that children can enjoy.
Nederlands Spoorwegmuseum
Maliebaanstation 16, Utrecht
Phone: 030-230-6206
The National Railway Museum is located in an historic station, where visitors can observe more than 60 locomotives. At the museum, children can hop aboard one of the miniature Intercity and TGV lines.
