Suriname Museum
Museum in Amsterdam, open since 2025, on the shared history and culture of Suriname and the Netherlands.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Suriname Museum grew out of a volunteer initiative: the foundation was established on 6 December 2021 because there was a great need for a central place that brings together knowledge about the past, present and future of the Surinamese diaspora in the Netherlands. The aim is to preserve the shared Surinamese-Dutch history, art and culture and make it accessible to a broad public.
The museum moved into an existing building on the Zeeburgerdijk with roughly 1,300 square metres. King Willem-Alexander opened it on 25 November 2025, the 50th anniversary of Suriname's independence. The opening exhibition "Meet Su, Meet Us" forms the basis of the museum's core exhibition.
It spans around 350 years of shared history: from the indigenous peoples through slavery, colonialism and the Maroons to the immigration of Chinese, Javanese and Hindustani labourers, Surinamese people in the Second World War and the contribution of Surinamese people in the Netherlands. On display are archive items, photos, sculptures, films and prints from 18th- and 19th-century travel accounts, among other things, as well as a life-size reconstruction of a ship's hold. The museum plans two temporary exhibitions per year.
Highlights
- Opening exhibition "Meet Su, Meet Us" on 350 years of shared history
- Original prints from travel accounts by Stedman and Benoit, archive items, photos and sculptures
- Life-size reconstruction of a ship's hold
- 27 screens with videos and spoken commentary
- Museum texts in Dutch and English, free treasure hunt for children
Permanent exhibition
- Meet Su, Meet Us – The opening exhibition is divided into "Meet Su!" (history, nature and migration up to independence in 1975) and "Meet Us!" (heritage and stories of the Surinamese communities in the Netherlands).
- Founded
- 2025
- Operated by
- Stichting Suriname Museum
- Director
- Jan Gerards
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €17.50 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | €9.95free up to age 5 · Children aged 0–5 free, ages 6–12 €9.95, teenagers aged 13–17 €13.95 |
| Seniors | –No senior discount |
| Students & apprentices | –CJP discount for students with the CJP app, at the ticket desk only (not online); the student pass is not valid |
| Groups (10+ people) | –Groups of 10 to 20 people receive a 10% discount (book via the ticket page); larger groups should enquire by email |
| School programme (max. 120 minutes, with museum educator) | €165Per 15 pupils, maximum 30 pupils; Tue–Thu; payment with CJP budget possible |
Free with the Museumkaart (youth and adult card), with an ICOM card and as a "Friend" of the museum; the VriendenLoterij VIP card is not valid. Undated gift cards are available in the ticket shop.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: not available
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum is largely wheelchair accessible, the main levels can be reached by lift, and a loan wheelchair is available free of charge. The mezzanine (entresol) and the basement cannot be reached by lift. The 27 screens have spoken commentary that blind and partially sighted visitors can also hear; a dedicated audio tour, tactile objects and Braille texts are not yet available.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 2 hrs |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 5 |
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Hands-on stations
According to the museum, interactive and child-friendly; a free treasure hunt is available at the ticket desk. Children up to 5 years old have free admission.
Getting there & parking
For getting there by public transport, the museum refers visitors to the 9292 app or the GVB app, and for parking to Google Maps.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | no |
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | The tour is designed for independent exploration with routes, a map and information panels; guided tours can be booked separately. Texts in Dutch and English. School programmes (culture, migration, colonialism) with a reading letter and a reflection lesson are offered Tue–Thu. |
