Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum
Museum on the cultural history of cannabis and hemp in Amsterdam's red-light district – with more than 9,000 objects, a hemp garden and the Hemp Gallery.
About the museum
Cannabis entrepreneur Ben Dronkers opened the museum in 1987 together with the American author Ed Rosenthal under the name Cannabis Info Museum on the Oudezijds Achterburgwal. The justice minister at the time saw it as advertising for illegal activities and had it closed right after its official opening; Dronkers prevailed, however, and it reopened the very next day. The museum later received its current name.
It is based on the founder's private collection, assembled from around the world over decades. Today it comprises more than 9,000 objects relating to medicine, art, music, textiles, seafaring and smoking culture, showing how versatile the plant has been throughout history. The museum also includes a small garden with live cannabis plants and a section on vaporizers.
In 2009 the Hemp Gallery opened on the same canal, devoted to industrial hemp – from sailcloth and paper to food, building materials and design. It was completely renewed in 2021. The museum has a sister institution in a modernist palace in Barcelona and presents the Cannabis Culture Awards to people who promote acceptance of the plant.
Highlights
- Collection of more than 9,000 objects on the cultural history of cannabis and hemp
- Garden with live cannabis plants
- Hemp Gallery on industrial hemp, from sailcloth to bioplastics
- Paintings, prints and historic smoking paraphernalia
- Free audio guide in eight languages
- Founded
- 1987
- Director
- Ben Dronkers
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €9.50 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 12 · Free up to and including age 12, only when accompanied by an adult. |
| Seniors | –No age-based discount. |
| Visitors with disabilities | –companion free · People with disabilities pay the regular price; one companion is admitted free. |
| Students & apprentices | –No discount for students or teachers. |
| Groups (10+ people) | €7.60 per person20% discount for 10 or more people; reservations via the museum. Groups of up to 60 people possible. |
The ticket shop lists €9.50 for a regular ticket, the “Plan your visit” page €10; audio guide included in the price. One ticket covers both the museum and the Hemp Gallery. Online tickets are valid for one year and can be rebooked free of charge. No information on the Museumkaart.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
According to the museum, the museum and the Hemp Gallery are accessible to wheelchair users. Animals are not allowed except assistance dogs (in harness).
Kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 12 |
No minimum age; children are welcome, free up to and including age 12, and must be accompanied by an adult. No dedicated children's programs are listed.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Dam · 5-min walk
Nearest stop Dam (trams 4, 9, 16, 24, 25), about a five-minute walk from there.
By car
Parking available
Nearest parking garage: Q-Park de Bijenkorf, Beursstraat 15, 1012 JW Amsterdam.
In the red-light district (De Wallen) of the city center.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes (EN, NL, FR, DE, IT, PT, RU, ES) |
| School programs | yes |
| Photography | Photography for private purposes is permitted without flash, additional lighting or tripod; professional shoots only by arrangement via email. |
| Good to know | According to the museum, a visit to both locations takes about one hour on average. Audio guide included in the ticket. Guided tours for (school) groups of 10 to 15 people in English or Dutch on request. |
