Museum of the Canals

Museum of the Canals

The Museum of the Canals will take you on a journey through the history of the Amsterdam canals. The Amsterdam canals have many uses. The Museum of the Canals focuses on all these different advantages of the canals and sheds light on the fascinating history. The canals are one of the biggest city expansions in the world, and they are part of the UNESCO World Heritage list since 2010. The Museum of the Canals is housed in an authentic 17th-century canal house at the Herengracht. The interactive exhibition is fun for all ages and will leave you a little bit more in love with Amsterdam after you’ve left.

History of the canals

The Amsterdam canals are over 400 years old and are a major asset to the city. The Canal Museum will explain everything about this rich history. In the 16th century, the first plan was drawn for a canal belt around the city. These canals were designed to stimulate trade, make transport easier, and to reclaim land from the water to expand the city. These waterways became one of the greatest sources of wealth for Amsterdam. A full quarter of the surface of the city consists of water, making Amsterdam the most watery city in the world. The Canal Museum also focuses on the modern-day use of the canals. For example the houseboats you can find all over the city or the flower market that floats on the water.

Make your reservations now!

The Museum of the Canals tickets include a free audio-guide in English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Chinese (Mandarin), and Dutch. Getting to the Museum of the Canals is easy by taking tram 1, 2, or 5 to Koningsplein. Get your tickets to the Museum of the Canals now and don’t miss out on this fascinating part of Amsterdam's history.