Amsterdam Museums
Posted by Hans Ericsson | Under Destination Spotlight Thursday Nov 12, 2009Amsterdam is known for many things, but one thing you may not think of when dreaming of this Dutch city is Museums. Few people realize that Amsterdam is actually home to over 50 museums, many of which are interesting and thought provoking. Some of them are downright bizarre. Here is a list of some of the interesting you might want to check out (or avoid) next time you travel to Amsterdam.
Vodka Museum
One of the more recent museums to open in Amsterdam, The Vodka Museum continues to become more and more popular. Of course, I’m sure that the stylish Museum Bar gives you a whole new perception. Either way, it sounds like it would be worth checking out!
Tulip Museum
The tulip is often used as a symbol of the Netherlands, so this museum is quite popular with locals and tourists alike. If you love botany, history, or tulips in general, this is the museum for you.
Anne Frank House
The hiding place where Anne Frank wrote her famous diary during World War II is now a museum and is one of the biggest attractions in Amsterdam. See how hard it was and view the original diary on display while at this location.
NEMO
A hands on museum, NEMO is very popular among children. Science and technology are the themes here, so it’s a must visit if you’re with kids on vacation.
Torture Museum
This place brings out the macabre in everyone. View a collection and learn about some of the oldest cruelest torture methods of the past. Thankfully most of these methods are no longer in use. The fact that most of what’s on display are actual artifacts is particularly disturbing.
Museum of Bags and Purses
To me, being surrounded by this many handbags and purses seems like a scene from the previous museum!
Can you think of any interesting or strange museums that are in Amsterdam?
Well Hans, quite a list here! The Torture museum is interesting one could say, but I found myself hurrying to the end to get back out into the bright sun of Amsterdam personally!! That said, the last time I was in the Dam my companion and I stumbled upon the House Boat Museum! Now this is a small museum, after all it is a House boat, but it is pretty neat and won’t take much time out of your day either! House boats are quite common in Amsterdam, oh how I have dreamed of living in one actually! This museum has some neat history of the canals and of the house boat culture in general and is definitely worth a visit if you can find it! A hint of advice about the Anne Frank house…if you find yourself down in the doldrums after a visit to this historic house, the Pancake Factory is located a few blocks away and is sure to brighten up anyone’s day!! Be prepared to wait, but oh is it ever worth the wait here!!! There is more on offer here that just pancakes, like egg dishes and lunch specials. Personally I advise you stick to the sweet stuff however if you really want to experience this place!!