Activity Overview

Housed in a beautiful 17th‑century historic building along the Herengracht canal, the Museum of the Canals (Grachtenhuis) takes you back to Amsterdam's golden age in 1600 to explore its famous UNESCO‑protected canal system. Using a wide array of tools such as holograms, paintings, scale models, and audio guides, the museum vividly tells the story of how the canals became the lifeblood of trade prosperity during the Dutch Golden Age, along with the astonishing engineering ingenuity behind them.

However, it is not just about history — canals remain an active part of daily life and celebrations in Amsterdam to this day. From the famous Gay Pride Parade and The Beatles' iconic canal cruise during Beatlemania, to winter ice skating on frozen canals, the museum presents these urban stories in a lively manner. As the museum puts it: "This place is built for everyone who loves, or is about to love, Amsterdam." It is suitable for every traveller.

Activity Highlights

• Golden Age Immersive Experience: As the lights dim, feel as though you have travelled back in time to Amsterdam in 1600

• Vibrant Interactive Exhibitions: Holograms, models, and audio guides bring the stories of the canals to life

• UNESCO World Heritage Canals: Gain deep insights into the engineering miracles and trade significance of Amsterdam's canal network

• Beyond History: Discover city life stories including Pride Parades, winter ice skating, and Beatlemania canal cruises

• Audio Guide in 10 Languages: Includes Chinese, English, Japanese, and more for an enjoyable and accessible experience

• Family‑Friendly: Interactive design suitable for all ages; free entry for children under 4

Visitor Guide

1. Arrive at Museum of the Canals —— Located in a historic building at Herengracht 386

2. Present E‑Voucher for Entry —— Show your mobile e‑ticket at the main entrance; last admission is 30 minutes before closing

3. Pick Up Your Audio Guide —— Available in 10 languages including Chinese, Dutch, and English

4. Watch the Opening Short Film —— As lights dim, embark on a journey to the 1600s Golden Age

5. Explore Interactive Exhibits —— Experience holograms, scale models, dollhouses, and classic film clips one by one

6. Self‑Guided Tour —— It is recommended to allow 60–90 minutes to enjoy the experience at a leisurely pace

Address

• Experience Location: Grachtenhuis (Museum of the Canals)

• Address: Herengracht 386, 1016 CJ Amsterdam

• Note: The museum is situated in a 17th‑century historic building along the Herengracht canal, close to Amsterdam city centre

Attraction Introduction

"Time Capsule along Herengracht: 17th‑Century Historic Building" Standing gracefully beside the Herengracht canal, this elegant old building has witnessed centuries of Amsterdam's prosperity. Step inside where modern interactive technology meets historical atmosphere, embarking on a canal journey through time.

"Year 1600: Golden Age under Dimmed Lights" Once seated, the lights gradually dim, transforming the hall into 1600s Amsterdam —— the thriving sights of the Golden Age with bustling ships and flourishing trade unfold before your eyes, offering the museum's most stunning opening act.

"Canal Code: Trade, Engineering & UNESCO World Heritage" Holograms and models vividly break down the secrets of canal construction: from flood control and drainage to commercial shipping, demonstrating how these waterways sustained the city's economic miracle and became the UNESCO World Heritage site they are today.

"Living Pulse of the Canals: Pride Parade & Winter Ice Skating" Canals are not merely trade routes, but the vibrant stage of everyday life for locals —— colorful flotillas of the Gay Pride Parade, famous canal cruises during Beatlemania, and outdoor ice rinks on frozen waters in winter all recount the unique character of this water city.