NeighbourhoodAmsterdam Oost (East)
Global Cultures & Shared History
Wereldmuseum Amsterdam
Discover a world of human stories within one of Amsterdam's most magnificent historic buildings, where global art meets critical colonial history.
Best forCultural history and global art
Plan for2 to 3 hours
Worth knowingFormerly known as the Tropenmuseum
Introduction
A Window to the World
Wereldmuseum Amsterdam is an ethnographic museum dedicated to the diversity of world cultures. Housed in a monumental building completed in 1926, the museum was originally founded in Haarlem in 1864 as the Colonial Museum. Today, it serves as a space for reflection on how global histories—including the Netherlands' colonial past—continue to influence contemporary society.
The museum's vast collection includes objects from Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Oceania. Rather than just displaying artifacts, the museum uses its exhibitions to tell stories of human resilience, creativity, and the complex intersections of different cultures. It is a place where visitors can engage with both historical heritage and modern global themes like identity and sustainability.
Heritage
From Colonial Roots to Global Perspectives
The museum's origins date back to 1864, when Frederick van Eeden founded the Koloniaal Museum in Haarlem to showcase products and artifacts from Dutch overseas territories. In 1910, the Colonial Institute was established in Amsterdam, leading to the construction of the current grand headquarters. The building itself is a masterpiece of Dutch architecture, featuring intricate stonework and a massive central hall.
Following the independence of Indonesia in 1945, the museum shifted its focus from colonial commerce to the study of the tropics, rebranding as the Tropenmuseum in 1950. In 2023, the museum underwent another significant transformation, adopting the name Wereldmuseum Amsterdam to reflect its membership in a national museum group and its commitment to a more inclusive, global narrative.
Exhibitions
What to See
Permanent Exhibition
Our Colonial Inheritance
This core exhibition examines the history of Dutch colonialism and its enduring impact on the world today, using personal stories and historical objects to provoke thought.
Contemporary Art
Rotating Galleries
The museum frequently hosts temporary exhibitions featuring modern artists, such as Larissa Sansour, and thematic displays like the history of 'Disco' and its cultural significance.
Family Friendly
Raad van de Raaf
A dedicated space for younger visitors, this exhibition encourages children to explore global themes through interactive storytelling and creative play.
Visitor Experience
The Museum Flow
Morning
Architectural Grandeur
Start your visit by admiring the Great Hall. The light-filled atrium provides a stunning backdrop for the large-scale installations often displayed here.
Afternoon
Deep Dives
Spend your afternoon in the upper galleries, which house the ethnographic collections. The museum offers free guided tours on specific days to help contextualize the artifacts.
Relaxation
Oosterpark Stroll
After exploring the galleries, step directly into the adjacent Oosterpark, one of the city's most vibrant green spaces, for a walk or a coffee.
Visuals
Inside the Galleries
The museum's interior is as much a draw as the exhibits themselves. The multi-level galleries wrap around a central void, allowing visitors to view the grand architecture from various heights. The displays are carefully curated to balance historical artifacts with modern multimedia installations.
Information
Planning Your Visit
The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. During public and school holidays, it is also open on Mondays. It is highly recommended to book tickets in advance online, though the museum can assist with rescheduling if your plans change.
Official websiteAccessibility
Inclusive Access
The museum is fully wheelchair accessible with elevators to all floors. Unmechanised wheelchairs are available for use, though mobility scooters are not permitted.
Policies
Pets and Photography
Only assistance and guide dogs are allowed. Personal photography is permitted, but professional shoots require prior permission from the press department.
Bookable experiences
Experiences around Wereldmuseum Amsterdam.
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Transport
Getting There
Wereldmuseum Amsterdam is located at Linnaeusstraat 2. It is easily accessible via public transport. You can take GVB tram lines 1, 3, 14, or 19 to the Alexanderplein stop, which is located directly outside the museum entrance. For those arriving by train, Amsterdam Muiderpoort station is within walking distance.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the museum open on Mondays?⌄
Generally, the museum is closed on Mondays. However, it opens on Mondays during public holidays and school holiday periods from 10 am to 5 pm.
Can I get a refund for my ticket?⌄
The museum does not offer refunds for purchased tickets, but you can contact them via email to move your booking to a different date.
Are there guided tours available?⌄
Yes, the museum offers free guided tours on certain days. Check the official website's agenda for the current schedule and availability.
Is the museum suitable for children?⌄
Yes, the museum is very family-friendly, featuring interactive exhibitions like 'Raad van de Raaf' and activities specifically designed for younger audiences.