The Hollandsche Schouwburg is an old theatre in Amsterdam’s Plantage district which is now the Dutch National Holocaust Memorial. It commemorates the many Jews in the city who were deported during World War 2. It is currently closed for renovation until early 2024.
The building originates from 1892 and was used as a theatre for many years during the early 20th century. During German occupation the theatre was used as a deportation centre (1942-43) – Jews from Amsterdam and surrounding areas were obligated to report there before being taken to Dutch transit camps (Vught or Westerbork) and finally to Germany.
In the early 1960s the building was turned into a memorial by the city council. The main auditorium had to be pulled down (due to disrepair) leaving a large empty space out the back – an obelisk was put up near the old stage which acts as a monument and place for reflection.
Inside the building there is a chapel with eternal flame. The wall contains the names of many Dutch Jewish families who lost members during the time.
Upstairs on the first floor there is an exhibition space which chronicles the persecution of Jews in Netherlands. The exhibit has photos, videos and some personal items / documents.
In December 2020 the Hollandsche Schouwburg closed for a major renovation. It should re-open in early 2024.
Across the road is the National Holocaust Museum which is also under renovation.
In the area you can also find the Dutch Resistance Museum and the Auschwitz Monument in Wertheim Park.
A short walk away is the National Holocaust Memorial of Names – a new monument (2021) paying tribute to 102,000 Dutch victims of the Holocaust. Consisting of a series of brick walls and stainless steel panels it is located in Weesperstraat by the rear of the Hermitage Museum.
National Holocaust Memorial Essential Info
| Opening Times | Closed for long-term renovation. |
| Admission Prices (2023) | €18 for adults, €9 for children 13-17, €6 for children 6-12. FREE entry for children 0-5, Museumkaart and Iamsterdam City Card holders. The Jewish Cultural Quarter ticket is valid for 1 month and allows access to the Jewish Museum, Jewish Museum Junior and the Portuguese Synagogue. The National Holocaust Museum and the Hollandsche Schouwburg (National Holocaust Memorial) are under renovation. |
| Getting There | The National Holocaust Memorial can easily be reached from the centre of Amsterdam on foot – head towards Waterlooplein and continue further east along the Plantage Middenlaan. From Amsterdam Central take tram 14 to the ARTIS stop. Metro lines 51, 53 and 54 serve Waterlooplein. |
National Holocaust Memorial, Plantage Middenlaan 24, 1018 DE Amsterdam
T: +31(0)20 5310 310, jck.nl
Last updated 22 March 2023. This article was first published in 2010 and has been regularly updated.
Links on AmsterdamTips.com may pay us an affiliate commission.
