Amsterdam is a hive of world-class museums, and the Verzetsmuseum, the Dutch resistance museum, shines brightest among the gems. In fact, critics christened it the Netherland’s best historical museum.
The Dutch Resistance in WWII
Between 1940 and 1945 Nazi Germany occupied the Netherlands. The occupation sparked a predominately nonviolent movement now commonly known as the Dutch resistance. Via interactive installations enhanced with temporary and permanent exhibits, patrons get a comprehensive education on how the Dutch people responded to the foreign invasion.
The museum was born of a 1980 collaborative exhibit called 1933-19now. By 1984, the venture had morphed into a standalone museum.
Permanent collection at the Verzetsmuseum
The Dutch resistance museum maintains a permanent collection of documents, artifacts and artworks that serve to memorialize the movement. Guided docent tours and (FREE!) self-guided audio tours are also available. I highly recommend the free audio-guide tour.
Risk of Explosion!
The Dutch Resistance was a predominately nonviolent endeavor. However, in 1943, a group of disguised artists and students attacked the Amsterdam Registry Office in a physical show of defiance. This exhibit commemorates the event via an interactive experience.
The Junior Museum
Credited as the first children’s museum about World War II, the Verzetsmuseum’s “Junior Museum” is an interactive journey through the lives of Henk, Eva, Jan and Nelly, four kids who lived in the Netherlands during the occupation. However, please note that parents are encouraged to leave children younger than nine at home.
Verzetsmuseum logistics
Do you like immersive historical experiences? If so, then do the Anne Frank walk. It starts at her house and ends at the museum. Along the way, you’ll see and learn about important landmarks associated with Ms. Frank and the Dutch resistance.
Do you prefer taking public transportation? From Amsterdam Central Station take the 14 tram. Stops Plantage Kerklaan, Plantage Middenlaan/Kerklaan and Artis Zoo are all within walking distance to the Verzetsmuseum. The 51, 53 and 54 subway lines will take you to the Waterlooplein/Uitgang Hortus stop, which is within walking distance of the venue.
You can buy tickets online or at the door. Save for a few situational anomalies, tickets sell at the following rates:
- Adults: €11
- Kids 7-16 years: €6
- Students: €6
- Family entry (one or two adults and no more than three children under 17): €26
- iAmsterdam and Museumkaart cards: Free entry
