Oude Kerk

Current exhibitions

About the museum

In the 13th century, Amsterdam's first inhabitants built a wooden chapel with a cemetery on a rise at the point where the Amstel flows into the IJ. In 1306 the Bishop of Utrecht consecrated its stone successor to St. Nicholas, patron saint of seafarers. After a second parish church was consecrated on the Dam in 1409, the older one became known as the Oude Kerk (Old Church). Over the centuries it grew into a large hall church; the Lady Chapel with its stained-glass windows, for example, was added in 1552.

The Iconoclasm (1566) and the Alteratie (Amsterdam's switch to the Protestant side, 1578) left behind the plain interior: altars and images disappeared and the vault paintings were whitewashed, yet traces of the Catholic furnishings survived. Beneath more than 2,000 tombstones lie some 60,000 people, including Rembrandt's first wife Saskia Uylenburgh, the composer Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck and the navigator Jacob van Heemskerck. The church also served the city as a meeting place, marketplace and archive.

Since 1951 the Stichting de Oude Kerk has been responsible for preserving the building and keeping it open. After the restoration was completed in 2013, it developed its own program: each year two major commissions by living artists are created specifically for the space, accompanied by concert series such as Silence and Monuments on the historic organs. The church's links to colonial history are also addressed. On Sundays the Protestant congregation still uses the space for services.

Highlights

• Amsterdam's oldest building (consecrated in 1306)
• Baroque Vater-Müller organ (1724–1742), celebrating its 300th anniversary in 2026
• Tomb of Saskia Uylenburgh, Rembrandt's first wife
• Stained-glass windows of the Lady Chapel
• Red glass window by Giorgio Andreotta Calò in the Holy Sepulchre
• Guided tours up the 67-meter Oudekerkstoren tower (April–October)

Permanent exhibitions

• Ontdek de Oude Kerk – A tour through more than seven centuries of urban and architectural history – from medieval stained-glass windows and vault paintings to tombstones and contemporary artworks in the church interior, with a free audio tour.

Founded

1951

Operated by

Stichting de Oude Kerk

Director

Mariette Dölle

Admission & discounts

Free with the Museumkaart; also free with the I amsterdam City Card, ICOM, AICA, VriendenLoterij VIP card, Stadspas and Friends pass. Cashless (card or digital payment). On October 27, 2026 (Amsterdam's birthday), free admission for Amsterdam residents.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: not available
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The church interior is largely wheelchair-accessible, the historic side rooms are not; no loan wheelchairs. The free audio tour relies on sound, atmosphere and vivid descriptions and is also suitable for blind and visually impaired visitors (accompaniment recommended). Information booklets for deaf and hard-of-hearing visitors, videos with open captions. Low-sensory hours. Assistance on site at +31 20 625 8284.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

Free scavenger-hunt sheet (Dutch/English) for ages 4 to 12: together with the character Dapper, kids search for his dog Flip, past tombstones and heraldic windows. Children up to age 12 free. Tower climb only for those at least 1.20 m tall, not possible under age 6.

Getting there & parking

The neighborhood is hard to reach by car; public transport recommended. The Cultuur Ferry (boat service to cultural venues in Amsterdam-Centrum and -Oost) stops at the Oude Kerk; admission not included.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Coat check: not available
• Wi-Fi

De Koffieschenkerij in the former sacristy (Oudekerksplein 27, daily 9:00–18:00) with a courtyard; 10% off drinks with an admission ticket. Museum shop in the old Librije (library), accessible without a ticket. No cloakroom; food and drink are not allowed in the church. Free Wi-Fi.

Events & venue rental

As far as we know, the museum does not rent out spaces for external events.

No rentals for weddings, parties, photo shoots or funerals; the Oude Kerk has its own art and music program.

Plan your visit