Grachtenmuseum visitor historical maps photo Rebekka Mell

On view

Permanent exhibition

The Amsterdam canals

The Amsterdam canals in 400 years

Why did Amsterdam grow from a fishing village into a world-class city? How did the canals come to be and why are they so important to the city to this day? You will learn all about it in our spectacular audiovisual exhibition that takes you on a journey through 400 years of Amsterdam history.

A multimedia journey through history

What is the oldest canal in Amsterdam? And who built it? You will hear and see it all during a 45-minute tour through our multimedia exhibition. Through beautifully crafted models, projections, special effects, and audio, you will see the canals and the city emerge around you. It is an experience that you cannot miss as a resident, visitor, or lover of our beautiful city.

Audio tour available in 9 languages

Our audiovisual exhibition is visited with a free audio guide. This is available in nine different languages: Dutch, English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Chinese (Mandarin), and Russian.

Our tour starts every 10 minutes

The audio guide leads you through five rooms. This takes approximately 45 minutes. A new tour of the permanent exhibition starts every 10 minutes, with a maximum of 12 people per tour.

After the exhibition, there is the opportunity to visit our temporary exhibitions and period rooms.

Plan your visit

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Grachtenmuseum panorama projection 1700 photo Rebekka Mell

Discover the story behind the facades

In the interactive dollhouse, you can look inside the rooms of a 17th-century canal house. By means of the Pepper's ghost technique, you will see life behind the facades come to life.

Models, animations, and 3D projections show how Amsterdam expanded and how the canal belt was constructed. An exhibition for all ages, both educational and immersive.