The hidden museums of Amsterdam's canals
Advertorial - In collaboration with Amsterdam's Canal Museums
Our Lord in the Attic Museum
On Oudezijds Voorburgwal, you will find one of Amsterdam's most extraordinary museums. Museum Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder appears at first glance to be a characteristic 17th-century canal house, but behind the facade lies a genuine church. The concealed church ‘in the attic’ dates back to a time when Catholics were not permitted to hold public services. Nowadays, the building is a museum that, alongside the concealed church, also features beautiful period rooms and equally impressive exhibitions.
Museum Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder | Oudezijds Voorburgwal 38
Art Zoo Museum
An artistic tribute to the animal kingdom and nature, breathtaking taxidermy art fills the spaces of Art Zoo museum. From colourful birds and winding snakes to imposing crocs and a T. Rex, you get the feeling they could come to life at any moment. Recently dubbed one of Time Magazine's World's Greatest Places in 2026, a 16 feet crocodile hanging from the ceiling in a former biblical museum turned canal house will earn you that title.
Art Zoo Museum | Herengracht 368
Willet-Holthuysen House
Interested in what life was like in the affluent part of Amsterdam in the 19th century? At Huis Willet Holthuysen, immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of that era. The home of Abraham Willet and Louisa Holthuysen, this 17th-century canal house was left to the city of Amsterdam in 1805, including all its furniture and art. The house is still available to view in its original state today, with a ballroom, dining room and a blue room. Drop by Huis Willet-Holthuysen and momentarily imagine yourself as a wealthy man or woman from the 19th century as you roam the halls and the manicured gardens.
Willet Holthuysen House | Herengracht 605
Museum of the Canals
A great place to start exploring Amsterdam's hidden museums is the Grachtenmuseum. This recent addition is the gateway to the city's legendary canals and their past. Discover one of the world's best city expansion projects in six rooms: the 17th-century canal belt of Amsterdam. Visit the multimedia, interactive exhibition and travel through 400 years of history in 40 minutes or explore the history of the Canal Parade ahead of WorldPride 2026.
Grachtenmuseum Amsterdam | Herengracht 386
Amsterdam Tulip Museum
This tiny museum tells the story of the Dutch tulip. Fun fact: the tulip isn't actually the national flower (that's the daisy), but it has a storied connection to the lowlands. From the famous Tulip Mania of the Golden Age to modern tulip cultivation, colourful displays and historical illustrations bring its history to life.
Amsterdam Tulip Museum | Prinsengracht 116
Museum Van Loon
The Amsterdam regent family Van Loon had a famous ancestor. In 1602, Willem van Loon was one of the founders of the VOC – the United East India Company. In 1973, the family opened their house and art collection to the public. The collection includes portraits, family furniture, silver, and porcelain. The first floor also features stunning ornaments. Museum Van Loon offers you the opportunity to travel back in time centuries using this beautiful location and unique art collection.
Museum van Loon | Keizersgracht 672
Museum of Illusions
This interactive museum focuses on optical illusions, perspectives and brain teasers. Prepare to have your mind turned upside down and your senses baffled. This isn’t just a place to see illusions; in fact, you’ll actually become part of them. Want to walk through a tunnel that makes you feel like you’re floating in space? Or step inside an infinity room that seems to stretch on forever? All of this and more await.
Museum of Illusions | Keizersgracht 676
Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography
About 300 years ago, a French merchant had a magnificent canal house built for himself. On the façade, he hung a plaque with a map of the port of Marseille. The interior has not changed much since then. Huis Marseille now houses a photography museum. The museum has a large collection of photographs by contemporary photographers and hosts rotating exhibitions of different works.
Huis Marseille | Keizersgracht 401
H'ART Museum
Formerly the Hermitage Amsterdam, this prominent building on the Amstel spent the first three centuries of its life as a home for the elderly. Extensive renovation since then has turned it into an architectural beauty without removing any of its history. Since becoming the H'ART Museum, it has curated a range of star-studded temporary exhibits, including a Kandinsky retrospective and a glimpse into the expansive art of the Leiden Collection, which includes an impressive host of Rembrandts and Vermeers.