8x unusual smaller museums Amsterdam

Discover the hidden treasures of unconventional museums! From bizarre collections to peculiar themes, these museums offer a unique perspective on art, history and culture. Be amazed by these lesser-known but fascinating destinations for an unforgettable museum experience.

1. Museum Vrolik

Located in the Amsterdam Medical Centre, this private museum houses a collection of human and animal specimens, brains, and embryos preserved dating from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. You can request a guided tour to explore this somewhat sinister collection at Museum Vrolik, but walking around on your own is also very interesting and doable.

Meibergdreef 15 (Google Maps)

museumvrolik.nl
open & prices: See website

2. Museum de Appel

Amsterdam Nieuw-West is home to the Museum de Appel, a contemporary museum full of modern and experimental art. Not only can you admire paintings and installations here, but you can also participate in educational programmes and enjoy dance performances with deeper meaning.

Many exhibits are interactive, allowing you to actively participate in the art experience.

Tolstraat 160 (Google Maps)

deappel.nl
open/ prices: See website

3. Electric Ladyland

Explore the museum’s basement and immerse yourself in an ocean of thousands of fluorescent stones. This unique museum, created by American artist Nick Padalino, is named after Jimi Hendrix’s 1968 album ‘Electric Ladyland’ and is the first of its kind. Step inside and take a trip back to the 1970s, the time of Flower Power, and experience it for yourself.

Tweede Leliedwarsstraat 5 (Google Maps)

electric-lady-land.com
open/ prices: See website

4. Museum Tot Zover

The Tot Zover Museum is an intimate setting located in a graveyard outside the city centre. The museum focuses on making death and its rituals discussable. The collection offers insight into the diverse ways different cultures and religions deal with their deceased and displays a range of traditional and modern mourning practices.

Kruislaan 124 (Google Maps)

totzover.nl
open/ prices: See website

5. Red Light Secrets

Red Light Secrets is an intriguing museum in the Red Light District, highlighting the history and daily reality of the world’s most famous red light district. The museum offers insight into the world of sex and prostitution. The building was formerly a brothel, and that atmosphere has been preserved.

Visitors can walk through different rooms and get a glimpse into the life of a sex worker. At the end of the tour, visitors can experience what it feels like to be on the other side of the window, which is often experienced as very confrontational.

Oudezijds Achterburgwal 60 h (Google Maps)

redlightsecrets.com
open/ prices: See website

6. Amsterdam Cheese Museum

When you think of the Netherlands, you think of tulips, bicycles and…. cheese! Cheese is inextricably linked to the Netherlands. If you are in Amsterdam and a cheese lover, it will be worth the visit. You can learn all about the rich history of cheese, typical Dutch cheese, and dairy traditions and cheese production.

Prinsengracht 112 (Google Map)

cheesemuseumamsterdam.com

7. Huis Bartolotti

Step into the opulence of a luxurious canal house and experience both the lavish lifestyle of the residents and the life of the staff in the kitchen and staff quarters. When built in 1620, Huis Bartolotti was one of the largest merchant houses in the city. Ordinary Amsterdammers were deeply impressed, and people from around the area came to see it.

Herengracht 170 (Google Maps)

hendrickdekeyser.nl
open/ prices: See website

8. WONDR Experience

WONDR is a true Instagram museum. It is a vibrant visual experience that invites people of all ages to play and explore. You can expect disco balls, teddy bears, unicorns, pink beaches, confetti cannons and, above all, lots of colour. Everything you see is perfect for selfies and totally insta-worthy.