Verzetsmuseum – Dutch Resistance Museum

The Dutch Resistance Museum (Verzetsmuseum) — chosen as the best historical museum of the Netherlands — tells the dramatic story of the Dutch people who resisted the Nazi occupiers during World War II.

The Netherlands was occupied by Nazi Germany from May 14, 1940 through May 5, 1945.

Through engaging exhibits incorporating official documents with personal effects and mementoes, alongside illuminated images, newsreels, films, home movies, and video and audio testimonials (in English as well as Dutch) we find out about the ways the Dutch demonstrated their resistance — from strikes, demonstrations and armed resistance, to forging documents, helping people hide and creating escape routes.

We also learn about the extraordinary, often life-threatening dilemmas they faced and the difficult choices they made
– Source: Lonely Planet’s Best of Amsterdam, 4th edition, page 17

Education has always been a core task for the museum. The museum’s founders — who were themselves involved in the resistance movement during World War Two — were particularly keen to impress on young people the dangers of discrimination and intolerance.

In the permanent exhibition section, visitors walk through a decor consisting of ‘streets’ and life-size photos that give a good impression of life during the war.

The exhibition tells a chronological story from approximately 1930 to 1950, in which information is offered in various ‘layers.’ A visitor striding through the exhibition will get an overall picture of a rather indolent Dutch society in the thirties, experience the shock of the unexpected German invasion, then discover that both the oppression and resistance to it gradually intensify in the occupation years as the war progresses, finally to realize that experiences of this period are still playing a role in today’s society.
– Source: Verzetsmuseum

This fascinating museum is highly recommended by DutchAmsterdam.

Verzetsmuseum Address

Plantage Kerklaan 61 [Google Map]
Amsterdam

The Plancius building, home of the Verzetsmuseum, is situated in the Plantage district, a developing ‘museum district’ near the Jewish Historical Museum, the Trade Union Museum, the Maritime Museum and the Tropenmuseum. It is across from the entrance to Artis Zoo.

Tickets

Free entrance with the I amsterdam City Card.

At the door, €12.

Public Transport to Verzetsmuseum / Resistance Museum

From (or in the direction of) Amsterdam Central Station take tram 14. Deboard at the Artis stop.