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Resistance Museum

The interactive exhibitions in Amsterdam’s Resistance Museum provide an impressive insight into the Netherlands in WWII. During this period, from 1940-1945, several Dutch people did their best to undermine the German occupation at great risk to their own lives. The fascinating collection is based on personal stories that showcase all the different actions undertaken by the Dutch in wartime.

Arts & Culture

Hidden gun of a resistance fighter

Wartime dilemmas

After the German invasion, things became increasingly tough in the Netherlands as hunger and poverty took hold. In the meantime the Jewish population suffered an ever greater persecution. Many of the Dutch faced a difficult choice: participate, do nothing or join the resistance. The permanent exhibition in the Resistance Museum explains how the Dutch dealt with this dilemma. Personal stories and quotes support the authentic objects on display. The Dutch resistance movement came into action almost immediately after the German invasion. There were overt actions against the occupier, such as strikes and student protests, as well as clandestine operations. The illegal press, for instance, undermined German censorship, and forging papers was a matter of course. Sabotage and deadly attacks by the resistance also occurred. The largest Dutch resistance movement was the LO (Landelijke Organisatie – a national organisation to help people go into hiding). It helped approximately 300,000 people find places to hide, including 25,000 Jews.

The Dutch Resistance Museum

War in the Dutch East Indies

The museum also features an exhibition dedicated to the Dutch East Indies, which is well worth a visit. It tells gripping stories of those who experienced WWII in Indonesia, a former Dutch colony. This lesser-known history is fascinating. Anecdotes and authentic objects provide insight into the hardships of the Dutch, the colonists, Indonesians and Chinese. The Japanese occupiers interned a large part of the civilians living in the Dutch East Indies into camps. The men, women and children in these camps, as well as the Indonesian people who lived outside them, lived in great poverty and hunger. They were liberated in August 1945, several months after the Netherlands was freed.

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Active & Outdoor

Nightlife

Citytrip

Arts & Culture

Family fun

Active & Outdoor

Old towns, stunning constructions and wonderful nature: admire all of this and more in THIS IS HOLLAND, a brand-new 5D movie attraction by the producers of De Nieuwe Wildernis (The New Wilderness). It is the perfect introduction to Holland for first-time visitors, but also an interesting surprise for Dutchies who think they know their country inside out. This is a magical 5D experience with smells, colours, images, sounds, rain and shine.

Nightlife

Amsterdam has just gained another top attraction: the A’DAM Tower in trendy Amsterdam-Noord finally provides the city with a decent viewing platform. The 360-degree view, the ‘Over the Edge’ swing, a cocktail bar and a fabulous restaurant make the crossing from Amsterdam’s Central Station more than worthwhile.

Citytrip

Spending the weekend in Amsterdam? Get local and go by bike! It’s the best way to get from A to B without missing a single thing. Oh yes, this city has more to offer than the Van Gogh Museum, the flower market and coffee shops. With just a few tips, we would like to introduce you to the city that caters for all tastes with its endless list of activities and possibilities.

Arts & Culture

Innovative, visionary and imaginative: the work of the late 15th-century Dutch painter Hieronymus Bosch was truly groundbreaking. On display in museums around the world, his paintings still inspire countless visitors. 2016 marks the 500th anniversary of his death. There will be a series of events throughout the whole year to celebrate the life of this ingenious painter. All events will take place in ’s-Hertogenbosch (Den Bosch), his home town and one of the most beautiful medieval cities in the Netherlands.

Nightlife

With over 350 events, 2,200 DJs and more than 80 clubs and venues, the Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) is the largest electronic dance festival in the world. The most high-profile party during this 5-day long event in October is the Amsterdam Music Festival (AMF). The first edition of the AMF took place in 2013 and in less than 2 years this new festival has become a household name in the world of dance music.

Arts & Culture

Hundreds of historical ships on the water and countless activities on the quayside: SAIL Amsterdam 2015 will be one big extravaganza. This nautical event arrives in capital of the Netherlands every 5 years, and this 9th edition promises to be even more impressive and inspiring than ever before!

Nightlife

Without any false modesty, the organisers call it ‘the World’s Leading Dance Event’. Take a closer look at the facts and figures and you will see why. Sensation is the largest and most successful dance party in the world, drawing 40,000 visitors each year in Amsterdam and hosting international editions in 32 countries. To organise such a mega-event takes a monumental effort.

Nightlife

The 15th Sensation edition will not be going on an international tour and can only be experienced in Amsterdam. According to organiser Duncan Stutterheim: “This is a landmark event that deserves an exclusive show.” This event expects to welcome more foreign visitors than ever from 75 countries. Many visitors don’t fly home the next day but stay to explore the famous Amsterdam nightlife scene.

Arts & Culture

2015 marks exactly 125 years since the death of Vincent van Gogh. The painter still inspires many artists today. In memory of his life and work, many European countries are paying tribute to Van Gogh with unique exhibitions and celebrations.

Arts & Culture

The stately Royal Palace on Dam Square is one of the main historic monuments in Amsterdam. In the 17th century, the imposing building in the city centre was dubbed the ‘eighth wonder of the world’. Nowadays it is mainly used for official receptions and royal events, although the antique interior and beautiful art collection are open to the general public throughout the year.

Family fun

A tall, green building above the water of the IJ waterway. This is NEMO, the largest science museum in the Netherlands where you can dive into experiments and explore science and technology. Anyone curious about the world in which we live will adore this interactive museum – the perfect place to smell, hear, taste, feel and see how our planet works.