Hollandsche Schouwburg
Former theater in Amsterdam that served as an assembly point for the deportation of Jews under Nazi occupation, now a memorial – free admission.
About the museum
The theater on the Plantage Middenlaan opened in 1892 and was a popular Amsterdam stage for decades. From July 1942 the German occupiers used the building as an assembly point for the deportation of Jews: tens of thousands were held here for hours, days, or weeks and then deported to concentration and extermination camps.
After the war the auditorium was initially rented out under the name Piccadilly for parties and meetings; plans for public theater performances failed because of protests. A committee raised money, bought the building in 1947, and gave it to the city on the condition that entertainment would never again take place there. After years of standing empty, only the facade was left standing; in 1962 a memorial with a mourning room, an eternal flame, and a monument in the courtyard was dedicated behind it.
In 1992 what is now the Joods Museum (Jewish Museum) took over the site, set up an exhibition on the persecution of the Jews, and added a wall of names in 1993. Since 2012 the Westerborkpad, a hiking trail to the former Westerbork camp, has started here. After a restoration in which the facade regained its 1960s color scheme, the memorial reopened in March 2024; an introductory film and audio tour tell the personal stories of victims and survivors. Like the Nationaal Holocaustmuseum across the street, it is part of the Joods Cultureel Kwartier (Jewish Cultural Quarter).
Highlights
- Preserved theater facade, restored in 2024 to its 1960s color scheme
- Former theater auditorium as a memorial to the victims of the Holocaust
- Introductory film and audio tour with personal stories
- Starting point of the Westerborkpad
- Site of the annual Yom HaShoah commemoration
- Founded
- 1962
- Operated by
- Joods Cultureel Kwartier
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
| Groups (8+ people) | –Groups of 8 or more register in advance and pay a contribution of €50 per group. Guided tour (1 hour, max. 15 people, Dutch/English, ages 12 and up) €100. |
|---|
Free admission, no ticket required. The Nationaal Holocaustmuseum across the street charges admission (single or JCK combination ticket). Debit and credit card payment only.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- 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 Joods Cultureel Kwartier, all locations have an elevator, adapted restrooms, and step-free passages at least 80 cm wide. Companions are admitted free. Hidden Disabilities Sunflower available at the ticket desk.
Kids & families
Only partly suitable for kidsRecommended for ages 10+
The Joods Cultureel Kwartier recommends a minimum age of 10 for the Hollandsche Schouwburg and the Nationaal Holocaustmuseum; the group tour is aimed at visitors aged 12 and up.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Artis
Tram 14 from Centraal Station to the Artis stop; alternatively Metro 51, 53, or 54 to Waterlooplein. From April to October (Thu–Sun), the hop-on hop-off Cultuur Ferry also runs to the Joods Cultureel Kwartier.
By car
No on-site parking at the museum.
No museum parking. Parking garages near the Joods Cultureel Kwartier: Markenhoven, ParkKing Waterlooplein, and Stadhuis/Muziektheater.
Amenities & dining
- Coat check: not available
No cloakroom – coats and bags are taken inside.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes (NL, EN, DE, HE) |
| School programs | yes |
| Photography | Photography and filming for private use are permitted unless otherwise indicated. |
| Good to know | Free audio tour (Dutch, English, German, Hebrew) at the service desk, cannot be reserved; plus an introductory film. Group tour “Rondleiding door de Hollandsche Schouwburg” (approx. 1 hour) by reservation, can be combined with a tour of the Nationaal Holocaustmuseum. School programs through the Joods Cultureel Kwartier. |
