Amsterdam: An overview - Part 7

Amsterdam Museum

The Amsterdam Museum tells the story of the growth and rise of the Dutch capital. You will discover how over seven centuries of the city' s history it grew from a small settlement on the banks of the Amstel into the current city. There are two tours that can give a good overview of the city. The first is ‘The Golden Age’ tour which looks at this period in Amsterdam' s history. It was a period of wealth creation and research, the Dutch East India Company, master painters and the construction of Amsterdam' s canal belt. However it also included periods of slavery, war and oppression. The second tour is ‘The History of Amsterdam’ and here you can learn how Amsterdam has grown from a small settlement into the city it is today. The tour also highlights some of the most beautiful and special pieces in the collection. The collection includes works of art, objects and archaeological finds which bring to life days gone by. Photos and film material show the happy times as well as the drama of the modern city' s inhabitants. This can all be seen at Kalverstraat 92, Amsterdam

Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House is the hiding place where Anne Frank wrote her famous diary during World War II. It is now a museum where it recreates the war years and holocaust. You will see the house as it was in her time along with the secret hiding place that 8 people used. There are many quotations from the diary, photographs, films and original objects which belonged to the people in hiding. There is also information on those who helped them, all of which goes to illustrate the events which occurred at this place. Anne' s original diary is also on display in the museum. The house is located at Prinsengracht 267, Amsterdam

Het Grachtenhuis

A trip to Het Grachtenhuis, or more commonly ‘the Canal House’, is the best way to learn all about the history of Amsterdam’s canal ring. The museum looks at the17th century city expansion projects that led to Amsterdam’s ring of canals which has now been given UNESCO world heritage status. In five interactive rooms, you can see the history of Amsterdam and its canals. The clever use of multimedia actually brings the story of the canals to life and allows you to see them in a different light. You will find it at Herengracht 386, Amsterdam

EYE Film Institute Netherlands

If you love films and cinematography be sure to visit the EYE Film Institute. EYE is located in a new ultramodern building along the IJ waterway, is home to a large collection of films covering the whole history of cinema. The museum’s extensive programme includes exhibitions and events examining the history of film and contemporary cinematographic developments. It also screens classic and art-house movies on a daily basis, it is therefore open 24 hours a day with film showing from 7pm to 10 am. You can there by taking the free 24/7 ferry service to ' Buiksloterweg' from behind Amsterdam Central Station. The address is IJpromenade 1, Amsterdam

Continued in part 8