L7 ⌂ Linnaeusstraat 2 v 7, 14, 19 # 10am–5pm Tue–Sun (daily during school hols) ¢ 1 Jan, 27 Apr, 25 Dec ∑ tropenmuseum.nl
This fascinating museum reflects the Netherlands’ colonial history, as well as the diversity of the country today. The displays of art objects, photographs and film focus on widely different cultures in the tropics and subtropics. Children will love the interactive Tropenmuseum Junior.
t The museum’s exterior is a magnificent red-brick edifice
The Main Collection
Built to house the Dutch Colonial Institute, this vast complex was finished in 1926 by architects M A and J J Nieukerken. The exterior of what is one of the city’s finest historic buildings is decorated with symbols of imperialism, such as stone friezes of peasants planting rice.
In 1978, the Royal Tropical Institute opened this fascinating ethnographic museum. One floor holds treasures from Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Southeast Asia. The collection aims to show the things that unite all cultures, from love to death. On the upper floors, the exhibitions use static and interactive displays to explore diverse topics, including body art and Afrofuturism. Temporary exhibitions are held in the North Wing on the ground floor and the Park Hall on the second floor.
Tropenmuseum Junior
The museum espouses the importance of children learning about different cultures. This immersive Dutch exhibition allows kids to see, hear, smell and taste what it’s like to live in a different country. The destination changes every two and a half years. Until March 2019, youngsters board a simulated plane bound for Morocco. Once they’ve met their guides, they’ll experience aspects of Moroccan life.
t The cavernous central hall reflects the building’s grand beginnings
INSIDER TIP
Take a Tour
Free tours often run on Sundays, or you can book a group tour for an insight into either the history of the building, and the meaning behind its decor, or the way different cultures experience love.