Amsterdam Overview
Amsterdam Attractions
Amsterdam Canals Pictorial
Hermitage Amsterdam
Rembrandt House
Rijksmuseum
Stedelijk Museum
Van Gogh Museum
Rotterdam cruise port
Amsterdam Attractions
Amsterdam Canals Pictorial
Hermitage Amsterdam
Rembrandt House
Rijksmuseum
Stedelijk Museum
Van Gogh Museum
Rotterdam cruise port
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CRUISING TO THE NETHERLANDS:
AMSTERDAM ATTRACTIONS |
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In this section, we look at some of Amsterdam's places of interest. Of course, Amsterdam is a world-class city and so this is only a sampling of its attractions.
Royal Palace Amsterdam
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Dam Square is at the heart of old Amsterdam. Around it are several major attractions.
The Royal Palace Amsterdam is the centerpiece of Dam Square. Opened in 1655, this building began life as the Amsterdam City Hall. This was during the Dutch Golden Age when Holland was at its peak of power and prosperity. Accordingly, the burghers of Amsterdam felt that a grand building was needed for the city's government. Architect Jan van Campen designed a building which would reflect the power and wealth of Amsterdam in the 17th century. It was built out of yellow sandstone imported from Germany on 13,659 wooden piles. At the time, the large building was criticized as being out of scale with the rest of the city's buildings. During the Napoleonic Wars, Napoleon put his brother on the throne of Holland. The new King Louis I decided to move the capital from The Hague to Amsterdam and selected the city hall as his palace. Following the fall of Napoleon, the building was returned briefly to the city of Amsterdam but it was soon decided that it would make an appropriate palace for the restored king from the House of Orange. |
One of three palaces at the disposal of the monarch, the Royal Palace Amsterdam is the only one open to the public. Its interior is still majestic with marble halls, paintings and sculpture as well as a collection of Empire furniture left from the days of King Louis I.
For information about visiting, see the Royal Palace's website. |
Nieuwe Kerk
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Adjacent to the Royal Palace of Amsterdam on Dam Square is Nieuwe Kerk (New Church). No longer used for church services, it is now used primarily for temporary exhibitions of art, sculpture and cultural objects but it is also used for royal investitures and royal weddings.
Construction of the Nieuwe Kerk began in 1380 and was completed in 1408. However, the original building was almost completely destroyed by fire in 1645. The cathedral-size structure was then rebuilt in the Gothic style. The Nieuwe Kerk receives some 220,000 visitors each year. For information on visiting, see the Nieuwe Kerk website. |
Nationaal Monument
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Across Dam Square from the Royal Palace is the Nationaal Monument.
After World War II, there was a call for a national World War II monument in Dam Square. A temporary monument was created in 1947. It was replaced by the current monument in 1956, which was opened by Queen Juliana. The monument was designed by Jacobus Oud and features a white travertine pillar 72 feet high. Around the pillar are sculptures by John Raedecker and his sons. A National Rembrance Day is held at the monument each year on May 4 to remember the casualties of World War II and other conflicts. |
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Museumplein
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The Museumplein (Museum Square) is a large green area that is home to three of Amsterdam's most popular art museums. They are the Rijksmuseum (see separate profile), the Van Gogh Museum (see separate profile) and the Stedelijk Museum (see separate profile). All three are within walking distance of each other.
Above: The Van Gogh Museum.
Right: The Rijksmuseum. Below: The Stedelijk Museum. 
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The Netherlands was once one of the world's dominant sea-powers and has a long and rich maritime history. Accordingly, the National Maritime Museum is one of the Netherlands most popular museums.
Since 1973, the National Maritime Museum has occupied a former naval storehouse that was built in 1656 by Amsterdam harbor. Its collection includes paintings, maps, weapons and scale models. Berthed outside the building is a replica of the 18th century sailing ship Amsterdam. For more information about visiting, see the National Maritime Museum website |
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NEMO Science Museum
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Also located by the harbor is the NEMO Science Museum. This museum features interactive exhibits designed to stimulate interest in science through play and participation.
The museum's roots extend back to the Museum of Labour founded by the artist Herman Heijenbrock in 1923. Following World War II, the museum decided to change its name to the National Institute of Industry and Technology, reflecting its decision to explore a broader scope centered upon technology. The museum again expanded its scope in the 1970s, deciding to look at all sciences. It changed its name to the NEMO Science Museum in 2016. Since 1997, the museum has been housed in a distinctive modern building designed by Renzo Piano. For more information on visiting, see the NEMO Science Museum website. |
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Cruise destinations - Netherlands - Amsterdam - Attractions