Monument
Nationaal Monument
The white WWII remembrance obelisk on Dam square.
Photo: Ravi Yadav / Google
- Area
- Centrum (Old Centre)
- Type
- Monument
About the experience
Nationaal Monument is a monument in the old centre. The white WWII remembrance obelisk on Dam square.
Good to know
Designed by architect J.J.P. Oud with sculpture by John Rädecker, the Nationaal Monument uses human figures and animals to express suffering, resistance and peace. Look beyond its striking silhouette and you will find chained figures, a mother with a child and doves incorporated into the composition. The monument is a focal point for the Netherlands’ national remembrance ceremony, when the usual bustle of this central square gives way to collective reflection.
Rather than treating the monument as a quick photo stop, walk around it to take in the reliefs and the curved wall behind it. The Royal Palace and Nieuwe Kerk across the square provide a contrasting backdrop of royal and religious history. From here, you can continue towards the Amsterdam Museum’s historic surroundings along Kalverstraat, or choose the quieter lanes towards the Begijnhof. The busy setting makes the monument’s commemorative purpose especially striking.
Photo gallery
Photo: Vasco / Google · Photo: Antonio Varvara / Google · Photo: Jordi Ustrell / Google · Photo: Louis Chemont / Google · Photo: Phu Ng / Google
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a ticket to visit the Nationaal Monument?
You can view the monument directly from the public square without a ticket. It is an outdoor memorial rather than an attraction with an interior visitor route.
How do I get there by public transport?
Take a tram that stops at Dam, or walk from Amsterdam Centraal along Damrak. Check the public transport operator’s journey planner for current routes and disruptions.
Can I visit with a wheelchair or pushchair?
The monument can be approached from the surrounding square without entering a building. Crowds and uneven paving can make moving around less straightforward.
Can I take photographs?
You can photograph the monument from the square. Be considerate of anyone paying their respects, especially during commemorative gatherings.
Can I get close during remembrance ceremonies?
Access to the square may be controlled during official ceremonies. Check the official website for visitor arrangements before planning to attend.
National Monument, Amsterdam
Dam, 1012 JS, Amsterdam