Canal Museum

The Grachtenmuseum in Amsterdam tells, in a 17th century canal house on the Herengracht, how the city grew in 400 years from fishing village to world city. A multimedia tour takes you through the building of the canal ring.

What can you expect at the Grachtenmuseum?

• History: The house was designed around 1663 by Philips Vingboons for merchant Karel Gerards. A 2010 renovation restored the ground floor rooms to their 19th century Empire style. The museum opened in 2012.
• The tour: The audiovisual tour lasts about 45 minutes; allow an hour to an hour and a half for your whole visit. There is a free audio guide in 9 languages.
• Highlights: Highlights of the Grachtenmuseum are:
  • The large model of today's canal ring in the final room.
  • The room with a sand floor and models of the wooden piles beneath the houses.
  • The Andriessen Room with 18th century wall paintings by Jurriaan Andriessen.

Practical information

• Opening hours: Open daily (Monday from midday), closed on King's Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. No time slot is needed; card payment only.
• Facilities: There is a lift, an accessible toilet, lockers, a shop and a garden. Children up to 5 go free.

The Grachtenmuseum is the best place to start understanding how Amsterdam's famous canals came about.

Furthermore Canal Museum is near the following sights: Begijnhof (±250 m), Begijnhof Chapel (±300 m), Engelse Kerk (±300 m), Torture Museum (±300 m) & Blue°Amsterdam (±350 m).

Buy tickets in advance now

For information

Herengracht 386, Amsterdam
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