Wereldmuseum (Tropenmuseum)

Wereldmuseum (formerly known as the Tropenmuseum of World Cultures is one of the hidden secrets of the city. The extraordinary building is located in Amsterdam East next to the Oosterpark. The story about humankind will be told via permanent displays and often changing exhibitions. Many topics of universal human meaning will be covered in a catchy, modern and inspiring way.

Your exotic journey through this huge and rich museum will feel relaxed because of the almost perfect combination of transparency and space in the building. It doesn’t overwhelm you.
The modern and smart way of the presentations in the museum is focused on creating a pleasant atmosphere to the larger public.

History Tropenmuseum

This beautiful brick building dates from 1926. Although, the roots of the museum go all the way back to Haarlem 1864. In this year Frederick van Eeden founded the Society for the Promotion of Industry (in Dutch: Maatschappij ter bevordering van Nijverheid). The reason for the existence of the Tropmuseum was to show the story about the inhabitants of the foreign countries where the Dutch overseas possessions came from. 

Exhibits of the museum

The different cultures are brought a life according to the Tropenmuseum with their enormous collection of artwork, objects, and more than thousand stories. After our visit, we couldn’t agree more on this point. The composition is really creating a lively spirit of the age.

exhibits Tropenmuseum

The following four permanent exhibits can be found in the museum:

• Netherlands East Indies – This exhibit shows you 350 years of Dutch colonial history. It starts from 1596 when a Dutch ship for the first time sailed towards the East Indies.
• New Guinea – The objects in this exhibition are telling a rich story about the rituals dominated the religious lives of the Papuans. The Papuans are the inhabitants of New Guinea.
• Southeast Asia – This place continually developing, but also very traditional. Via the exhibitions, you’ll see exactly how.
• Traveling Tales – Travels experience love stories, need to have courage and be intrigued. Let yourself be inspired by the exhibit.

More or less, you will also find around 5 temporarily exhibitions, that are more focused on the present and future.

Tropenmuseum opening hours

The Tropenmuseum is open for the entire year. Exceptions are 1 January, 27 April and December 25.

Tropenmuseum prices and discount tickets

Tickets are available at the entrance of the Tropenmuseum. Or get them online via our affiliate links. After your payment, you’ll receive your tickets instantly. There’s no need for printing as the tickets can be scanned right from your smartphone.

Enjoy our photo impression 

Tropenmuseum frequent asked questions

Does my ticket have an expiration date?

The ticket that we provide via our partner Tours & Tickets is an open ticket. You can use it at any desired date and time.

Is there an audio tour?

Yes, the available languages are English, Dutch, German and French for a small extra charge.

Is the Tropenmuseum accessible to wheelchairs or users of mobility scooters?  

The entire museum is accessible for wheelchairs. Mobility scooters are not allowed in the museum.

Is it allowed to bring a bag to the museum?

Yes, but there are rules for the format of your bag. Only bags smaller than A4 format are allowed. You’ll find quit big lockers in the museum to stash your stuff.

Do I need to print the e-tickets?

There’s no need to waste paper, you can show the e-ticket on your smartphone.

Address, contact information and route to the Tropenmuseum

The Tropenmuseum in Amsterdam is situated in Amsterdam East. From Waterloo station, it’s only approximate 10-minute walk along the Plantage Middelaan. The easiest way to get to the bar is by public transport.

Adress
Linnaeusstraat 2
1092 CK Amsterdam
E-mail: [email protected]
Tel: +31 (0) 88 0042800
https://tropenmuseum.nl/en/

Public transport to the Tropenmuseum

The Tropenmuseum is situated in Amsterdam East. It is close to the Dappermarkt and it will take you a 15-minute walk from Waterlooplein station. When you’re already in Amsterdam use the public transport or a bicycle to get at the Tropenmuseum.

From Amsterdam Central Station to the Tropenmuseum:

• Tram 9, heading Diemen (Sniep)
• Tram 10, heading to Azartplein
• Metro 53, heading to Gaasperplas
• Train, heading to Zwolle
• Train, heading to Amersfoort Vathorst

From Amsterdam Leidseplein:

• Tram 7, heading to Azartplein
• Tram 10, heading to Flevopark

With the button below you can find accurate advice for the real-time travel times based on your current location. This application will help you when you are not sure which bus or tram you can take from your location.

Take a look at one of the following museums below or go back to the general Amsterdam museums page.