National Holocaust Museum

The National Holocaust Museum is located in a former teacher training building in Amsterdam's Plantage district. The structure served as a shelter and rescue point during World War II and now houses permanent exhibitions documenting persecution and resistance during that period.

The building was constructed in the early 20th century as a teacher training school. During the occupation, it became instrumental in 1942-1943 when staff helped rescue hundreds of children through a hidden passage to an adjacent church.

The museum displays photographs, documents, and personal items that reveal how Dutch Jewish communities lived and worked before the war disrupted everything. Walking through these collections helps visitors understand the everyday existence of people whose lives were forever changed.

The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday with general operating hours you can check on their website. Plan to spend at least a couple of hours inside to properly experience the exhibitions, and let staff know if you need any accessibility accommodations.

A wall drawing created by a child during the occupation remains visible on an interior classroom wall. This direct mark of childhood creativity in a time of persecution touches visitors in a deeply personal way.