Jewish Historical Museum

Known locally as the Joods Historisch Museum, the Jewish Historical Museum is one of the leading of tourist attractions in Amsterdam. This museum lies in the center of the city’s old Jewish Quarter. Tourists who are more interested in the historical value of buildings will be interested to learn that this museum is located in a complex of four Ashkenazi synagogues that date back to the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.

The Ashkenazi, Jews descended from the medieval Jewish communities along the Rhine in Germany, constructed several synagogues in Amsterdam including the four that make up this complex.

Those who are interested in Jewish art as well as Jewish religious objects along with historical artifacts of this community should not miss visiting this museum. Visitors to this museum can learn more about the Jewish residents of Amsterdam as well as of the Netherlands.

Various collections of art can be found in the Jewish Historical Museum including the carved wooden ark that dates back to 1791. Then there are the autobiographical works of Charlotte Solomon, the renowned artist from Berlin. Interactive displays, artworks, and photographs accompany most displays. This complex also houses a library where tourists can find out more about the Jewish way of life.