Torture Museum Amsterdam
Private museum on the Singel with around forty instruments of punishment from the Middle Ages and early modern period, explained in several languages.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Torture Museum Amsterdam opened in 1985 at Singel 449, opposite the flower market in the city centre. It is a privately run museum and shows how authorities in the Middle Ages and the early modern period controlled and punished the bodies and lives of their subjects.
The focus is on around forty instruments of punishment from various parts of Europe, from the pillory and thumbscrews through the Iron Maiden and the wheel to the guillotine. Some of the pieces are reconstructions built after historical descriptions, and some are considered original. Historical engravings and explanatory texts in eight languages accompany each object.
According to its own statements, the museum wants to show that such instruments belong in a museum, and links the tour with a reminder of human rights and the work of organisations such as Amnesty International. Tours and teaching materials are available for schools and groups. They also address the social role of executioners, who carried out their task on behalf of the authorities and yet were among the most despised outcasts.
Highlights
- Around forty instruments of punishment from Europe, from the Iron Maiden to the guillotine
- Historical engravings and explanatory texts in eight languages
- Information on human rights and the work of Amnesty International
- Tours and teaching materials for schools and groups
- Open daily until 11 p.m.
- Founded
- 1985
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €9.50 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €7.50Students |
| Children & teens | €5Children up to 12 years. |
| Students & apprentices | €7.50 |
| Groups (12+ people) | €7.50 per personPer person for 12 or more people; registration at least two weeks in advance by email. |
| Tour for groups (6–15 people) | €75From-price per group; registration at least two weeks in advance by email |
Tickets online via the booking system or at the ticket desk.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
For school classes there are tours and a teaching letter for children from about 10 years.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & 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 |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Tours for schools, clubs and other groups on request; a teaching letter is intended for children from about 10 years. Explanations in eight languages. |
