The National Holocaust Museum is a relatively new addition to Amsterdam's museum landscape, and it fills an important gap by telling the story of the persecution of Jewish people in the Netherlands. It is located at Plantage Middenlaan 27, in the Hervormde Kweekschool, a former teacher training college, in the Plantage district. The building has its own part in the story: opposite it stood the Crèche, a former day nursery that the Nazis used as a collection point for Jewish children before deportation. The ticket page explains that Henriëtte Pimentel, the director of the nursery, helped lead hundreds of these children to safety through the Kweekschool, and visitors can see the places where these events happened. The museum is run by the Jewish Cultural Quarter, the organisation that also runs the Jewish Museum, the Portuguese Synagogue and the Children's Museum. The entry ticket gives access to the museum and its permanent exhibitions, with an audio guide in English and Dutch, and the ticket page lists a visit of about two hours. The museum is wheelchair accessible. The Portuguese Synagogue and the Jewish Museum are not included in this ticket and need separate tickets, which is worth knowing if you are planning a full day on the theme.
Is it for you
This is not an entertaining museum, and it is not meant to be. It is for visitors who want to understand one of the most important and painful parts of Dutch history and who are prepared to spend time with it. It works well alongside the Anne Frank House, which focuses on a single hiding place, and the Dutch Resistance Museum, which looks at the wider occupation.
Together, the three give a layered picture that no single museum can. Parents should judge whether younger children are ready; the ticket page gives no age guidance, so check the venue's own advice before you go.
Practical advice
Buy a ticket in advance, as visits are managed carefully. The ticket page shows the listed start time as 00:00 and does not state a closing time, but notes that last admission is one hour before closing, so check the schedule for your date before you travel. The audio guide is in English and Dutch.
Combination tickets are listed with the Dutch Resistance Museum, the Moco Museum, ARTIS Royal Zoo, a Lovers Canal Cruise and a Keukenhof day trip; the most natural pairing is the Resistance Museum, a short walk away. Give yourself time and space afterwards, as many visitors find they need it.
Around the Plantage
The Hortus Botanicus is a few minutes' walk and offers a quiet green space in which to reflect. The Jewish Cultural Quarter's other sites, including the Jewish Museum and the Portuguese Synagogue, are within easy walking distance, and the Rembrandt House and Waterlooplein market are a little further. If you want a thoughtful day, you can build it around these sites, with a lunch break in the Plantage in the middle.
What to expect
The experience
Permanent exhibitions on the persecution of Jewish people in the Netherlands, with an audio guide in English and Dutch, in the former Kweekschool opposite the Crèche.
Best time
A weekday morning or early afternoon; check the schedule for your date, as the ticket page does not state a closing time.
How long
About two hours, as listed.
Tips
The Portuguese Synagogue and Jewish Museum are not included; pair it with the Dutch Resistance Museum and leave time to reflect.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Visitors with a serious interest in Second World War history and Jewish life in the Netherlands.
- Families
- Best for mature teenagers; the ticket page gives no age guidance, so check the venue's advice for younger children.
- Couples
- A reflective morning, followed by a quiet lunch in the Plantage.
- Pair with
- The Dutch Resistance Museum, the Jewish Museum and the Hortus Botanicus.
- Time needed
- Two hours, plus time for reflection.
Good questions
Where is the National Holocaust Museum?+
At Plantage Middenlaan 27, in the Hervormde Kweekschool, opposite the former Crèche, in Amsterdam's Plantage district.
How long does a visit take?+
The ticket page lists about two hours, with an audio guide in English and Dutch.
Does the ticket include the Jewish Museum?+
No. The Portuguese Synagogue and the Jewish Museum are not included and need separate tickets.
Is it wheelchair accessible?+
The ticket page lists the museum as wheelchair accessible.
Are there combination tickets?+
Yes. Combinations are listed with the Dutch Resistance Museum, the Moco Museum, ARTIS Royal Zoo, a canal cruise and a Keukenhof day trip.
