museum
Madame Tussauds Amsterdam
The famous wax museum on Dam square, with lifelike figures of stars and royals.
Photo: Makafui Zimrani / Google
Right on Dam Square, beside the Royal Palace, Madame Tussauds is one of Amsterdam's most popular family attractions — a wax museum where you can get nose-to-nose (and snap photos) with astonishingly lifelike figures of the famous and the historic.
Opened in 1970, it was the first Madame Tussauds to open outside the UK, carrying on a tradition that goes back to wax sculptor Marie Tussaud (1761-1850).
What you'll see
The figures are arranged in themed zones — royals, A-list film stars, music, fashion, sport, Marvel superheroes and world leaders — and the experience is interactive and photo-friendly, with multimedia effects throughout. You're encouraged to touch, pose and take pictures, which makes it a hit with kids and teens.
Good to know
Plan around an hour to an hour and a quarter. It's central and busy, so booking online saves both money and time in the queue. Don't miss the round window on the top floor, with its view over Dam Square.
Tips from locals
Book online — it's usually cheaper than the door and lets you skip the queue, which can be long.
It's all about the photos: you're free to pose with and touch the figures.
Head to the round window on the top floor for a great view over Dam Square and the Royal Palace.
Plan around an hour; it's a fairly quick visit.
It's right on Dam Square, easy to combine with the Royal Palace and Nieuwe Kerk.
Did you know?
It was the first Madame Tussauds to open outside the UK, back in 1970.
The waxwork tradition goes back to Marie Tussaud (1761-1850), who learned the craft in Paris.
Figures are grouped into themed zones, from royals and world leaders to Marvel superheroes.
It sits right on Dam Square, above a department store and beside the Royal Palace.
Unlike most museums, here you're encouraged to touch the exhibits and pose for photos.
FAQ
- What is Madame Tussauds?
- A wax museum on Dam Square with lifelike figures of celebrities, royals and world leaders.
- Where is it?
- On Dam Square, beside the Royal Palace in central Amsterdam.
- Can I take photos with the figures?
- Yes — posing and photographing the figures is the whole point.
- How long does a visit take?
- Around an hour to an hour and a quarter.
- Should I book ahead?
- Yes — booking online is cheaper and lets you skip the queue.
Madame Tussauds Amsterdam, Amsterdam
Dam 20, 1012 NP, Amsterdam