ARCAM
Architecture centre on the Oosterdok with exhibitions, city models and tours on Amsterdam's architecture and urban development.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
ARCAM, the Amsterdam Architecture Centre, was founded on 27 February 1986. It aims to make the pressing questions of urban development visible and to make building and planning a subject of public discussion. Since then it has offered a stage for exhibitions, debates, lectures, city walks, the Amsterdam Architecture Prize and the annual Architecture Day. In 2026 the centre celebrates its 40th anniversary.
The building at Prins Hendrikkade 600 is itself a piece of contemporary architecture: it was designed by René van Zuuk and built between 1999 and 2003 directly on the water of the Oosterdok. On several floors ARCAM shows presentations on urban development. These include long-term displays such as a city model of the Haven-Stad development area and a timeline of Amsterdam building projects from 2005 to 2025. A tactile model of the building with audio description makes the architecture tangible for blind and visually impaired guests as well.
Beyond the building, ARCAM publishes an architecture guide and develops routes on foot, by bike and as audio tours that lead visitors to selected buildings and squares in the city. In educational programmes, groups learn to look at the built environment more consciously, and through the membership “De Tafel van Arcam” the centre binds professionals and interested people to it.
Highlights
- The building by René van Zuuk directly on the Oosterdok
- City model of the Haven-Stad development area and timeline of Amsterdam's building history
- Tactile model of the building with audio description
- Architecture bookshop on site
- Walks as well as cycling and audio routes on Amsterdam architecture
Permanent exhibitions
- Modelstad Haven-Stad – Long-term presentation on the planned district of Haven-Stad: a city model that serves as a workshop for the future.
- Tijdlijn Amsterdam 2005–2025 – Timeline tracing twenty years of Amsterdam construction and urban development.
- Founded
- 1986
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €2.50Students and VriendenLoterij card holders |
| Children & teens | freeChildren and young people aged 0 to 18 have free admission. |
| Visitors with disabilities | –companion free |
| Students & apprentices | €2.50 |
| Groups (10+ people) | €4 per personPer person for groups of 10 or more. |
Free admission with Stadspas, I amsterdam City Card and ICOM card.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits
- Sign language tours: not available
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
All floors are reachable by lift; however, the entrance has steps. Accessible toilet on the ground floor, wheelchair for loan on site, handrails on the stairs. Tactile model of the building with audio description, Braille material, step markings and contrast design. Videos have open subtitles in Dutch and English; no induction loop, no sign language interpreters, no tactile guidance lines.
Kids & families
The educational programme “Vloeibare Bouwstenen” (“Liquid Building Blocks”) combines a walk along the water with painting, puzzles and crafts; age ranges and prices are not published.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Kadijksplein
About a 15-minute walk from Amsterdam Centraal station; bus lines 22 and 48 to Kadijksplein.
By car
Parking available
Parkeergarage Oosterdok (open around the clock) and Parkeergarage Markenhoven nearby.
Amenities & dining
- Museum shop
Bookshop with titles on architecture and urban planning; also in the web shop (shop.arcam.nl).
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Corporate events
The exhibition space (presentations, lectures, receptions), the “Lage Kade” room on the ground floor (workshops, meetings) and the entire building (also for photo and film shoots) can be rented. Large presentation area, Wi-Fi and service staff; view of the Oosterdok.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Guided summer walks on Amsterdam architecture and “Mijn Stad” tours; also self-guided routes (on foot, by bike, audio tours, the ferry circuit “Pontjes-Rondje”). Educational programme “Vloeibare Bouwstenen” (“Liquid Building Blocks”) along the water. |
