Amsterdam, renowned for its rich cultural history, has more than 80 museums to its name, with iconic institutions like the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum leading the way. Yet, tucked in the heart of the Dutch capital are five quirky, less-traveled museums that cater to unique interests. From the macabre to the endearing, these are worth a visit.
1. The Torture Museum
A Glimpse into Humanity’s Dark Side
Housed in a picturesque townhouse by the Singel canal lies the Torture Museum, a solemn reminder of the lengths humans have gone to cause pain and suffering. As you venture into the dimly lit chambers, you’ll find yourself surrounded by chilling exhibits that recount the brutal methods used over the centuries, whether for punishment or to coerce confessions.
There are simple stocks, where the punished were immobilized for public humiliation. Then, there’s the horrifying rack, a contraption designed to stretch a person’s limbs until they dislocated. While the museum might not be a casual choice, it serves as an essential testament to the grim extremes of human behavior.
Admission: €9.50 for adults, and €5 for children under 12 – though, one might question the appropriateness for young visitors.
2. The Cat Cabinet
A Feline Celebration
If you’re a cat lover, this is heaven. The Cat Cabinet, inside a 17th-century mansion by the canal, boasts a collection solely dedicated to the mystique and charm of felines. With over 1,000 items ranging from paintings to playbills and ceramics, all portraying cats, this place is a treat.
Interestingly, the museum isn’t dedicated to a famous person but rather to a beloved red cat named John Pierpont Morgan. Not to be confused with the magnate, this feline’s owner, Bob Meijer, cherished him so much that he inaugurated this museum in 1990 in his memory. You’ll even find the cat’s face on mock American currency.
3. Amsterdam Pipe Museum
Smoke through History
Hidden treasures await in the Amsterdam Pipe Museum. A seemingly innocuous ceramic statue may turn out to be a pipe upon closer inspection. Since 1995, the museum has collected over 35,000 smoking utensils, showcasing more than 1,000 at a time.
The exhibits range from contemporary artwork-like pieces to some dating back 2,500 years, like tubular pipes from Ecuador’s Jama-Coaque culture. These ancient ceramics represent mythical creatures, showing that our ancestors too, had an artistic touch.
Admission: €12.50 for adults.
4. Houseboat Museum Amsterdam
Life on Water
Given Amsterdam’s canal-rich landscape, it’s not surprising to find a museum about life on water. Yet, the Houseboat Museum isn’t about grand ships but the intimate experience of living in a houseboat.
Inside a 23-meter long houseboat that gently rocks on the central canal, visitors can truly grasp what it means to live on water. Though the boat offers 80 square meters of living space, the experience is cozy, giving a peek into the world of more than 2,000 such floating homes in Amsterdam. These unique dwellings date back to the 1800s, gaining immense popularity in the 1970s due to urban crowding.
Admission: €5 for adults.
5. Hash, Marijuana, and Hemp Museum
Amsterdam’s Signature Green
Amsterdam and cannabis share an undeniable bond. With marijuana tourism on the rise globally, Amsterdam retains its status as the premier destination for enthusiasts.
Since the 1970s, tourists have flocked to Amsterdam’s iconic coffee shops to legally enjoy cannabis. This museum delves into the global history of marijuana, showcased by over 9,000 exhibits ranging from ancient bongs to hemp textiles from around the world. A notable exhibit traces the use of cannabis back 3,000 years to Laos, with archeological finds of pipes used for smoking.
Admission: €9 for adults. Kids under 12 enter free, but they might leave with questions!
Conclusion
While Amsterdam’s renowned museums often steal the limelight, these hidden gems offer a unique insight into varied aspects of culture, history, and personal passions. Whether you’re an art lover, history enthusiast, or simply curious, these five museums promise an experience like no other in the heart of Amsterdam.
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