The Tropenmuseum is one of Amsterdam’s most intriguing and impressive museums. Deriving from the Dutch colonial past, this ethnographic museum contains fascinating exhibitions on many non-Western cultures. Book your Tropenmuseum tickets here
The museum is located in the Plantage neighbourhood of Amsterdam to the east of the city centre and close to Oosterpark. It is housed in a fine old building which dates from 1926.
The museum is part of the National Museum of World Cultures umbrella organisation (Nationaal Museum van Wereldculturen) along with partners Museum Volkenkunde (Leiden), Afrika Museum (Berg en Dal) and Wereldmuseum (Rotterdam).
The Tropenmuseum entrance foyer is located in the basement level (-1). The exhibitions themselves are spread over 3 levels (0/1/2) around the imposing Great Hall (Lichthal) which is the heart of the museum and used for events and activities.
Tropenmuseum has a rich collection of items from many exotic parts of the world. Prior to 2018 the museum exhibitions were mainly based on geographical region. The new presentations are curated more on universal themes that connect all people.
Level 0 now hosts 2 permanent exhibitions. Things That Matter is about personal objects related to social matters such as heritage and migration. What’s The Story looks at the history and development of the museum.
Tropenmuseum Junior (the oldest children’s museum in the Netherlands) is also found at level 0 and is hands-on facility for younger visitors.
Level 1 still features geographical exhibits on south-east Asia, New Guinea and Indonesia.
Level 1 and 2 also host long-term temporary exhibitions.
Overall, the museum is brilliantly presented and its reconstructions of local environments give a real atmospheric flavour of life and history from around the world. Labelling is in both English and Dutch.
Level 0 hosts the museum shop and De Tropen café and restaurant which has a menu inspired by cultures from around the world.
Tropenmuseum is a magnificent museum and its slightly out-of-centre location in the east means it probably does not get the visitor numbers it deserves. In our opinion it’s one of Amsterdam’s hidden gems and well worth the visit.
Tropenmuseum Essential Info
| Opening Times | 1000-1700 Tue-Sun, closed Mondays (except on public/school holidays). |
| Admission Prices (2023) | €16 for adults, €9 for CJP cultural youth pass, €8 for children 6-18. Free for children 0-5, Museumkaart and I Amsterdam City Card holders. You can book Tropenmuseum tickets online here Alternatively, order the I Amsterdam City Card online here which includes free entrance to the Tropenuseum. |
| Getting There | You can reach the Tropenmuseum on foot by walking down Plantage Middenlaan and then crossing over the Mauritskade canal. The nearest tram stop is ‘Alexanderplein’ and you can take tram 14 from Amsterdam Central; alternatively take tram 7 from Leidseplein or tram 19 from Amsterdam Sloterdijk. |
Tropenmuseum, Linnaeusstraat 2, 1092 CK Amsterdam
T: +31(0)88-0042800, tropenmuseum.nl
Last updated 27 March 2023. This article was first published in 2010 and has been regularly updated.
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