The Amsterdam Tattoo Museum

Tribal tradition, sailor's souvenir, individualist's expression, rock 'n' roll accessory, fashion item: the tattoo is all that and more. But, most importantly, it's an art form. And where better to honour this with its own museum than in Amsterdam?

Theory and practice
The Amsterdam Tattoo Museum strives to be a home for the art, culture and history of tattooing. Best of all: those inspired by the extensive permanent collection and temporary exhibitions can go for the real thing straightaway: the museum boasts a tattoo shop with renowned regular artists as well as various star guests. Among the regulars is none other than tattoo legend Henk Schiffmacher, aka Hanky Panky, who's also the driving force behind the museum.

Inky romance
It's looking good: Amsterdam, with its history as main hub for sailors roaming the streets in search of romance and a permanent ink souvenir to take home, is the perfect location for an establishment such as this. And the museum's grand opening on 2011's Museumnacht proved to be a roaring success, promising much to come for a museum that the organisers proudly introduce with the words: 'for the first time in world tattoo history, our unique passion is getting what it deserves.'