Museum of the Canals — Attraction in Amsterdam

Situated just a few doors away from the magnificent Cromhout House on Herengracht canal is Het Grachtenhuis (The Canal House), both designed by the same architect, Philips Vingboons. These houses were occupied by persons of astronomical wealth. The Canal House dates back to 1663 and one of it's most prominent inhabitants during the following century was the banker Jan Willink, who, together with a consortium, helped fund the American War of Independence to the tune of more than 30 million Euro, a colossal amount for the time. When visiting either building, due to their proximity, it makes sense to see the other at the same time.

Following the declaration of the 17th century Amsterdam canal belt as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010, bringing the total number of such listed sites in the Netherlands to nine, preparations were made to create a Museum of The Canals, which opened in the Canal House, the following year.

The museum is a multimedia, interactive exhibition utilizing audio, video, holographic, Pepper's ghost and other techniques. Using headphones, visitors can get a free audio tour in choice of English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Japanese and Chinese (Mandarin). The tour takes about three-quarters of an hour and begins in a spacious auditorium on the ground floor with a raised architectural model of the historical city of Amsterdam and surrounded by four large screens taking the viewer back in time. The tour continues throughout the building where you are taken through 400 years of history. There is an area which shows how the foundations were created by hammering large wooden piles into the ground. A maquette of a canal house, lets you peer through the windows and witness the goings-on in the house, from the maids in the kitchen to the master of the house in the drawing room, smoking a pipe. Walls are adorned with replicas of the most prominent buildings along the canals and one is able to obtain further audio information on any that take interest.

Sadly, many of the building's wonderful architectural features are hidden, with the exception of the grand lounge, on the ground floor which is used for temporary and often unrelated exhibitions, overlooking a stunning garden...

The Museum of the Canals is one of Amsterdam’s most underrated gems. Small though it may be, it packs more history, insight, and charm into an hour than many larger museums manage in an afternoon. Through clever storytelling and interactive exhibits, it traces the birth and growth of Amsterdam—how a city of trade and tolerance rose from marshy soil and concentric waterways to become a world icon.

It’s not overwhelming, and that’s the beauty of it. You’ll find yourself in an intimate setting (small groups only, so no elbow-jousting with crowds) where the city’s story feels almost personally narrated to you. It’s educational without being dry, entertaining without being gimmicky, and surprisingly immersive.

If you have an I Amsterdam City Card, this is an absolute must-visit. Even without it, it’s well worth the ticket. In less than an hour, you’ll walk away with a new appreciation for the city’s canals—no longer just pretty postcard views, but the lifeblood of a daring idea that shaped a metropolis.

Underrated? Most definitely. Missable?...

Very good! This was my husband's second visit to this museum and he insisted that this was a place that I needed to see. I'm so glad that he did. Fascinating information, really good interactive displays and interesting commentary. A very well done museum. Loved learning about the history of this lovely city and its construction. The gentleman at the desk was wonderfully friendly. There are also some interesting books available for sale, as well as some nice gift items.

There is also a gorgeous 'Silent Garden' behind the house. There are a few simple rules for using the garden, one of which is "no mobile phone conversations". Although this is posted more than once, an American woman had planted herself on the steps of the gazebo and was having a loud conversation on her phone concerning a work project. Really detracted from our enjoyment of the garden. Nothing to do with my review of the property obviously, just a gentle reminder for folks reading my review to respect how you are affecting the...