Description
While Amsterdam’s Museumkwartier boasts famous institutions that draw large crowds, the city also hosts a variety of under-the-radar museums. These cultural gems offer unique insights and experiences, covering topics from microbes to street art. Here’s a look at nine lesser-known museums worth exploring.
1. Micropia
This museum is the world’s first dedicated entirely to microbes, located next to Amsterdam’s Artis Royal Zoo and the Hortus Botanica. Micropia features interactive exhibits and captivating displays that make the microscopic world accessible and engaging for visitors of all ages.
Don’t miss: The Microbe of the Month talk, available in both Dutch and English.
2. KattenKabinet
A haven for cat lovers, KattenKabinet showcases a remarkable collection of cat-themed art by renowned artists like Picasso, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh. Housed in a 17th-century townhouse, this charming museum was inspired by curator Bob Meijer’s cat, J.P. Morgan, and includes several resident felines.
Don’t miss: Interacting with the friendly resident cats.
3. Houseboat Museum
Experience life on Amsterdam’s iconic canals at the Houseboat Museum, located on a floating houseboat. This museum provides insight into the history and variety of houseboats, showcasing different designs and styles.
Don’t miss: Engaging with the onboard guide for interesting anecdotes about canal living.
4. Museum Vrolik
One of the city’s quirkiest offerings, Museum Vrolik is dedicated to human and animal anomalies, featuring collections that include human remains and skeletons. Founded by medical researchers Gerardus and Willem Vrolik, this museum is located within the University Medical Center.
Don’t miss: The extensive fetal abnormality collection, though it’s not for the faint-hearted.
5. Tropenmuseum
Initially established as the Koloniaal Museum, the Tropenmuseum explores global cultures and the meaning of humanity in a modern context. Set in a stunning building in Amsterdam’s Oost district, the museum addresses the historical implications of Dutch colonialism alongside contemporary themes.
Don’t miss: The exhibits that delve into the repercussions of colonialism.
6. Museum of the Canals
This museum details the history and development of Amsterdam’s iconic canal ring. Situated in a 17th-century townhouse, it offers a blend of changing exhibitions and a permanent audiovisual display that narrates the city’s early urban planning efforts.
Don’t miss: The classical period rooms, including one adorned with wallpaper from 1776.
7. Museum Our Lord in the Attic
Hidden within a canal house, this museum features a clandestine Catholic church that dates back to the 17th century. Museum Our Lord in the Attic reveals the historical context of Catholicism during the Protestant Reformation in the Netherlands.
Don’t miss: The guided or self-guided audio tours that provide deeper insights into the museum’s history.
8. Straat Museum
Located in the trendy NDSM Wharf area, Straat Museum is dedicated to street art and graffiti culture. Set in a former warehouse, it features artworks from over 150 global artists, highlighting the evolution of street art from an underground movement to mainstream acceptance.
Don’t miss: The informative timeline showcasing the history and terminology of street art.
9. Our House Museum
This unique venue blends a museum and club experience, focusing on the cultural impact of house music. Interactive exhibits allow visitors to immerse themselves in the world of electronic music, complete with vibrant visuals and sounds.
Don’t miss: The mini club session and house music memorabilia that enhance the visit.