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Diamond Museum Amsterdam
The Diamant Museum is a relatively new museum (opened 2007) located in the city's museum district which has displays on diamonds and the diamond industry. Amsterdam has always been one of the centres of the world diamond trade. This museum was actually set up by the owner of Coster Diamonds (next-door) which has been trading since 1840. |
The museum is actually quite informative and well set-up. On entry to the exhibition there is a short introductory film about the origin of diamonds - how diamonds are created deep below the earth's surface by extreme pressure and brought up to the near-surface by flowing magma.
Over 2 floors there are exhibits on various aspects of the industry - mining, polishing, the classification of diamonds, the diamond cartel and market, the Dutch royal house, the 400 year history of diamonds in Amsterdam, notable diamond robberies and famous diamonds. Items on display include old goldsmith tools, a copy of Van Gogh's Starry Night encrusted with 504 diamonds and many diamond replicas such as Dutch Princess Maxima's wedding tiara.
There is a kitschy mirror lined 'Glamour Room' playing videos and music - you are guaranteed to hear Shirley Bassey's "Diamonds Are Forever"! (Trivia side note: in the 1971 film Diamonds Are Forever, James Bond - played by Sean Connery - actually visits Amsterdam).
Exhibitions are clearly presented in English while various films can be played in both Dutch and English. Temporary exhibitions are housed on the top floor.
There is a small cafe on the ground floor and a shop - there is no hard sell here though if you are also looking to buy diamonds you can go next door to the Coster Diamonds showroom for a tour and browse.
The Diamant Museum is open daily between 0900 and 1700. Admission costs €7.50 or €5 for students /65+/ children 13-18. Museum card holders and children 0-12 get in free.
The museum is located in a villa on Paulus Potterstraat, across the road from the Van Gogh Museum.
Diamant
Museum, Paulus Potterstraat 8, Amsterdam
T: +31(0)20 305 5300