Torture Museum, Amsterdam

The Torture Museum is a small museum in Amsterdam dedicated to displaying punishment devices from the Middle Ages. The exhibition shows various instruments with explanations in several languages and provides an overview of how punishment methods changed over different time periods.

The museum displays punishment tools used from the Middle Ages through modern times, including both authentic artifacts and reconstructions. This collection documents how punishment practices developed and changed across different European societies.

Each display includes comprehensive documentation explaining how societies used these devices within their legal and judicial frameworks.

The museum is located in an old building with narrow rooms and several stairs, making wheelchair access difficult. It is wise to wear comfortable shoes and allow time to read the explanations, as these provide context for each exhibit.

The museum presents both notorious devices like the guillotine and thumb screws as well as lesser-known tools from specialized time periods. This collection reveals that punishment methods were often more complex than their simple names suggest.

Location: Amsterdam

Accessibility: Wheelchair inaccessible

Website: http://torturemuseum.com

GPS coordinates: 52.36729,4.89067

Latest update: December 8, 2025 13:42