The history of Amsterdam in the museum about the canals
Get to know the history of Amsterdam and its canals in an adventurous way. The Museum of the Canals is located in a 17th-century canal house on the Herengracht, with classical period rooms, a permanent multimedia tour and changing exhibitions. Fun for all ages!
Permanent exhibition
The Amsterdam canals are the heart of our city and have a complex and interesting history. Discover it all in our dazzling audiovisual exhibition, which takes you on a journey through 400 years of Amsterdam history.
Period rooms and building
The Museum of the Canals is located in a seventeenth-century canal house. The period rooms show different periods, including original wall paintings by Jurriaan Andriessen from 1776.
Exhibition
Animals of the canals
Did you know that Amsterdam is full of wild animals? The exhibition Animals of the canals introduces you to the animal life in the Amsterdam canals in a surprising way.
On view from July 11 until November 23 2025.
GrachtenmuseumExtra
As a museum, we want to contribute to social initiatives. Think of activities for children who grow up in poverty, the greenery and cleaning of the Herengracht, the wheelchair-friendly character of our museum and supporting cultural initiatives that we support.