Stunning synagogues, striking buildings and impressive memorials grace the streets of Amsterdam’s old Jewish quarter. In the heart of the neighbourhood, an area of less than one square kilometre, is the Jewish Cultural Quarter, which includes the Jewish Historical Museum with the engaging Children’s Museum, the stately Portuguese Synagogue, the moving National Holocaust Memorial
and the National Holocaust Museum. Here visitors can find out all about Jewish culture, history and traditions – all with just one ticket.
Visit the Portuguese Synagogue in the centre of the Jewish Cultural Quarter and travel back in the days of Amsterdam’s Golden Age. The 17th-century interior is still fully intact and illuminated by hundreds of candles.The building is still used as a house of worship, but it is also open to the public, and concerts are held there regularly. Discover also the impressive museum treasury in the outbuildings.
The Jewish Historical Museum is located in four monumental synagogues near the Waterlooplein. Three permanent exhibitions illustrate the history and culture of the Jews in the Netherlands. The Children’s Museum focuses on Judaism in a unique and lively way. Children learn about Jewish tradition while making braided bread, writing Hebrew in the study or playing instruments in the music room.
The National Holocaust Memorial (Hollandsche Schouwburg) was originally built as a theatre, but used as a roundup and deportation centre for Jews during the Second World War. Today it’s a national monument and Holocaust Memorial Centre commemorating the persecution of the Jews between 1940 and 1945.
The National Holocaust Museum is located in the former teacher training school where during the Second World War hundreds of Jewish children, who were held captive in the crèche next door, were smuggled to relatively safe places. At this historic site the story of the Holocaust is told in changing exhibitions and events in an artistic form and based on personal accounts.
Good to know
• Opening hours: daily from 10.00 AM - 05.00 PM
• Closed during jewish Holidays and Kingsday. Portuguese Synagogue is closed in Saturdays
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