Selected as the best historical museum in The Netherlands, the Verzetsmuseum (Resistance Museum) documents the Dutch resistance to Nazi occupation from 1940-1945. Their mature, sober exhibits explore all sides of the story, from resistance workers to cooperators, with objectivity and eloquence.

The Germans hadn't declared war on The Netherlands when their air force bombarded Rotterdam in 1940; surprised and overwhelmed, the Dutch had no choice but to surrender when much of their air force was obliterated.

But tens of thousands of brave citizens were spurred to both public and private acts of resistance, from strikes and demonstrations to the concealment of 300,000 people. Despite execution, imprisonment and other punishments, the resistance held out until The Netherlands' liberation in 1945.

What's to See at the Verzetsmuseum:

The centerpiece of the museum is its permanent exhibit, which takes authentic, wartime artifacts and weaves the true stories of extraordinary individuals around them. The personal effects of those who attempted perilous escapes, often to fail; letters and art from prisoners; the clever tools that helped circulate resistance media -- all are preserved here for a more vivid picture of wartime Netherlands and its resistance movement.

Five special, temporary exhibits are held yearly to illuminate other themes and topics, from personal accounts of survival to the wartime experience in other countries. The museum also offers World War II-themed city tours (by foot or bicycle), as well as a pamphlet for a self-paced tour that stops at the Verzetsmuseum, the Jewish Historical Museum and the Anne Frank Huis.

Verzetsmuseum Visitor Information:

Verzetsmuseum Location
Plantage Kerklaan 61

Opening Times

• Tues - Fri 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Sat, Sun, Mon and public holidays 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Closed January 1, April 30 and December 25.

Admission Fees

• Adults: € 6
• Children 7-15: € 4
• Children 0-6: Free
• "I amsterdam" card holders: Free

An audio tour is included in the admission fee.

Get There

• By tram - Line 9 or 14 to "Plantage Kerklaan".
• By metro - Line 51, 53 or 54 to "Waterlooplein"; take the "Hortus" exit.

More Information

Call +31 (0)20 620 2535 or visit the Verzetsmuseum web site.