MuseumsSightsThings To Do

Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam

New Church on Dam Square

De Nieuwe Kerk or the New Church is Amsterdam’s main church located on Dam Square next to the Royal Palace. It is open to the public as a church, exhibition space and also holds organ concerts and private events. Book Nieuwe Kerk tickets here

The church originally dates from the 14th century when the growing city of Amsterdam needed a second church from the Oude Kerk (Old Church).

The Nieuwe Kerk was subsequently damaged by fire a number of times – in 1645 it was rebuilt in Gothic style after almost being destroyed – and this is what can be seen today along with some renovations from the 19th and 20th century.

The Nieuwe Kerk is used for royal weddings and inaugurations. On April 30th 2013 it was the site of the investiture of Dutch King Willem Alexander and Queen Maxima, who were also married in the church in 2002.

nieuwe kerk church
Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam

Highlights inside the church include:

  • the magnificent Great Organ from 1655
  • the grand brass choir screen
  • stained glass windows dating as far back as the mid-17th century
  • the hundreds of grave slabs on the floor (some 10,000 corpses are buried below the church)
  • the tomb/crypt of distinguished Dutch admiral Michiel De Ruyter (1607-1676) who amongst many notable achievements managed to free 26 Hungarian slaves.

The annual timetable of the Nieuwe Kerk looks generally like this:

World Press Photo – World Premiere at Nieuwe Kerk

The annual exhibition contest of international photojournalism. The World Press Photo foundation (founded in 1955) is based in Amsterdam and has held the exhibition at the Nieuwe Kerk from 1982-1999 and 2014-present. It normally runs from mid-April to mid-July.

world press photo amsterdam
World Press Photo Amsterdam

Remembrance Day Service

The Netherlands observes Remembrance Day each May 4th to commemorate the victims of World War 2. There is a televised service held at Nieuwe Kerk followed by a ceremony on Dam Square with a nationwide two minute silence at 8pm.

Explore De Nieuwe Kerk – current 2024/25 exhibition

During the summer the ’empty’ church can normally be visited with a focus on its Medieval and Royal history. It includes some multimedia exhibits. Generally runs mid-July to late-September.

In 2024-25 the church is undergoing a major restoration – including putting in new foundations for some of the pillars.

The church remains open with the exhibition Explore De Nieuwe Kerk with a focus on the architecture and archaeology of the building. This runs 31 Aug 2024 to 6 Apr 2025.

There is a free audio tour available – only via the Bloombergconnects app.

Major Nieuwe Kerk exhibition

Autumn sees the Nieuwe Kerk put on a major themed exhibition usually about a culture or a noted individual. This normally runs October to early April.

Note, there is no major exhibition in 2024-25 due to the restoration.

nieuwe kerk amsterdam exhibition
Exhibition at Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam (Life of Buddha 2018-19)

Past exhibits have included Ming. Emperors, Artists and Merchants in Ancient China (2013-14), Magical Africa (2014-15), Rome. Emperor Constantine’s Dream (2015-16), Marilyn: 90 Years Miss Monroe (2016-17), We Have a Dream: Gandhi, Luther-King, Mandela (2017-18), The Life of Buddha, the Path to the Present (2018-19), The Great Suriname Exhibition (2019-20), Maison Amsterdam (2021-22), The Century of Juliana, a Queen and her Ideals (2022-23), The Great Indonesia Exhibition (2023-24).


In May and June there is a series of evening organ concerts held on Tuesday evenings.

In terms of facilities, there is a small museum shop in the church selling books, cards and gifts.

nieuwe kerk amsterdam shop
Nieuwe Kerk – shop

There is the popular ‘t Nieuwe Cafe next door with a large outer terrace on Dam Square.

't Nieuwe Cafe Amsterdam
‘t Nieuwe Cafe

The Nieuwe Kerk is a beautiful historic building located in the very heart of Amsterdam and worth visiting in its own right. It hosts various exhibitions during the year which may be of further interest to the visitor.

Nieuwe Kerk Essential Info

Opening Hours

Currently Wed-Sun 1100-1800, closed on Mon-Tue.

Nieuwe Kerk Amsterdam Tickets & Admission

Admission varies depending on the event. Supplements can apply for the major exhibition in autumn-spring.

Explore De Nieuwe Kerk entrance is €10, with students/youths 12-17 paying €5.

FREE entrance for children 0-11, I Amsterdam City Card, Go City and Museumkaart holders.

Book Nieuwe Kerk tickets here

Alternatively order the I Amsterdam City Card online here or book a Go City: Amsterdam All Inclusive Pass here

How to Get to Nieuwe Kerk Amsterdam

The Nieuwe Kerk is located on Dam Square, a short walk from Amsterdam Central station.

Trams 2/4/12/13/14/17 all stop at Dam Square; or take metro line 52 to nearby Rokin.

Address / Contact

De Nieuwe Kerk, Dam Square, Amsterdam
T: +31(0)20 638 6909, nieuwekerk.nl

Last updated 6 November 2024. This article was first published in 2010 and has been regularly updated.

Links on AmsterdamTips.com may pay us an affiliate commission.

Related Articles

Back to top button