Madame Tussauds Amsterdam is a pure entertainment stop, and it has the advantage of being in the best possible location, at Dam 20 on Dam Square, a few steps from the Royal Palace and the Nieuwe Kerk. The museum belongs to the international chain founded on the work of Marie Tussaud, the wax sculptor who made her name in the eighteenth century, and the Amsterdam branch has a long local history: it opened in 1971 on the Kalverstraat and later moved to its current spot on Dam Square. Inside, you walk through a series of galleries filled with hyper-realistic wax figures, and the point of the experience is that you are encouraged to get close, pose and take photographs rather than keep your distance. The page describes hundreds of historical and royal figures, film and sports stars, and immersive themed galleries, with a mix of international celebrities and figures with a Dutch connection, so the line-up changes over time as figures are added and retired. It is less a museum in the scholarly sense than a set of photo opportunities and short, themed scenes, and it works best when you approach it in a playful spirit. The ticket page lists opening every day from 10:00 to 21:30, which is generous and means you can fit it into an evening or a wet afternoon without much planning. Entry tickets are sold with an option to add a canal cruise or other attractions at a discount.
Is it worth it
Madame Tussauds is not a must-see in the way the Rijksmuseum is, and the entry price is not low, so it is a good idea to be honest about who it is for. Families with children and teenagers, groups of friends and visitors who enjoy celebrity culture usually have a great time, and the interactive rooms give children plenty to do.
Adults travelling alone or art-focused visitors may find an hour is more than enough. The strongest argument for it is practical: it is right on Dam Square, it is indoors, it is open into the evening, and it takes the pressure off the day when the weather turns.
Practical advice
Buy a timed or dated ticket online, which is usually cheaper than paying at the door, and look for combination tickets with a canal cruise or with other attractions if you are planning a busy day. The entry ticket alone is the most flexible option, and several bundles are listed at a small discount.
Visit in the late afternoon or evening to avoid the busiest midday queues, and allow at least an hour to ninety minutes if you want to take your time with the photographs. The museum is centrally located, so it is also a convenient meeting point for groups.
Around Dam Square
You are at the centre of the old city. The Royal Palace and the Nieuwe Kerk are next door, the Nine Streets and the Spui are a short walk south, and Centraal Station is about ten minutes away along the Damrak. A canal cruise from the nearby piers, a stroll through the Begijnhof or a snack from one of the stalls on the Nieuwendijk all fit naturally into a half-day around the Dam.
If you are on a tight schedule, Madame Tussauds works well as a pre-dinner stop before an evening on the canals.
What to expect
The experience
A walk-through of galleries of wax figures, from royals and historical figures to film and sports stars, with interactive themed rooms.
Best time
Late afternoon or evening; the ticket page lists daily opening from 10:00 to 21:30.
How long
About an hour to ninety minutes, longer if you take many photographs.
Tips
Buy online, look for combination tickets with a canal cruise, and use it as a rainy-day or evening option on Dam Square.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families, groups of friends and anyone who enjoys celebrity culture and playful photographs.
- Families
- A reliable choice for children and teenagers, with plenty of figures to pose with and interactive rooms.
- Couples
- A light, fun hour on Dam Square before dinner or an evening canal cruise.
- Pair with
- The Royal Palace and Nieuwe Kerk next door, or a canal cruise from the Damrak.
- Time needed
- One to one and a half hours.
Good questions
Where is Madame Tussauds Amsterdam?+
At Dam 20 on Dam Square, in the centre of the city. The branch opened in 1971 on the Kalverstraat and later moved to the Dam.
What are the opening hours?+
The ticket page lists daily opening from 10:00 to 21:30. Check the date you plan to visit, as hours can vary on holidays.
How long does a visit take?+
Most visitors spend an hour to ninety minutes. Allow more time if you want to take lots of photographs or visit with young children.
Can I combine it with a canal cruise?+
Yes. A bundle combining Madame Tussauds with a canal cruise is listed, along with several other combination tickets at a small discount.
Is it good for children?+
Yes. The interactive galleries, celebrity figures and photo opportunities make it popular with families and teenagers.
