15 Unusual Museums in Amsterdam That Most Tourists Skip
Last Updated on April 5, 2025 by Lauren Allen
Looking for unusual museums in Amsterdam? Whether you’re searching for quirky collections, obscure history or interactive experiences, these hidden gems offer something completely different from the typical tourist hotspots. For example, did you know that Amsterdam has a museum entirely dedicated to microbes?!
The Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House are must-sees, but they’re also seriously overcrowded. With thousands of visitors each day, it can be hard to truly appreciate what you’re looking at. Thankfully, there are plenty of places where you won’t have to elbow through crowds just to catch a glimpse of an exhibit.
I’ve always been a bit of a museum buff, especially when I’m travelling. They’re a great way to learn more about local culture or discover some totally bonkers facts!
Over the past few years, I’ve spent a lot of time in Amsterdam. During this time, I’ve been to museums that the average person skips. I’m here to show you exactly why they’re worth visiting.
With this guide, I’ll help you make the most of your time by sharing attractions that deserve more attention. You won’t find generic tourist traps here, just genuinely fascinating places that will blow your mind. Enjoy!
15 unusual museums in Amsterdam
Here are the most interesting museums to add to your Amsterdam bucket list:
1. The Mouse Mansion
It took me a while to discover The Mouse Mansion, but it’s one of my favourite museums in the city. Not only is it completely free to visit (as it’s also a shop), but the level of craftsmanship is insane!
Instead of illustrations, the author and artist Karina Schaapman makes small 3D homes and spaces filled with miniature furniture, detailed interiors and friendly characters. There’s even a mouse dressed as Batman, how cool.
It’s a hit with both kids and adults alike. I’m in my thirties and as someone with a creative background, I love admiring the tiny details.
2. Museum Vrolik
Tucked away inside Amsterdam UMC, Museum Vrolik is not for the faint-hearted. It holds an extensive collection of human skeletons, animal remains, preserved fetal abnormalities, anatomical specimens and much more.
The collection was curated by Gerard Vrolik and his son Willem in the 18th century. When Willem died, some wealthy Amsterdam residents bought the collection and gifted it to the Athenaeum Illustre. These days, both locals and travellers can gain insights into the human body.
Although I’m not a science lover, I found the exhibits super fascinating. I’m sure you will too!
You’re not allowed to take photos (unless you have prior permission), but it’s a must-see if you’re into autonomy or science.
3. ARTIS Micropia
Located on the grounds of ARTIS Zoo, Micropia is a museum dedicated to microbes, fungi and bacteria. With over 40 microbe species, they share how microbes live among us despite being invisible.
It’s an intriguing place to go, especially if you’re visiting Amsterdam with kids. It’s relatively small, but there are lots of interactive exhibits. I stayed for well over an hour!
4. The Pipe Museum
Situated along the Prinsengracht canal, the Pipe Museum is one of the most unique attractions in the Netherlands. It houses one man’s pipe collection with around 2,500 decorative pipes on display and over 37,000 in the full collection.
Tickets are relatively cheap and come with an informative guided tour. During the tour, you’ll see pipes from many countries worldwide made from glass, wood and other materials.
Even though I don’t smoke, I found this museum very interesting. The craftsmanship is amazing and I can’t imagine the amount of time and effort that goes into making each pipe! As a creative, I spent ages admiring the pipes long after my tour was over.
Just so you know, the museum only accepts cash, so make sure you come prepared! And while you can visit with your Iamsterdam City Card, they request a small donation of €2.50 to support the museum as they receive no financial help from other sources.
5. Geelvinck Pianola Museum
Visiting the Geelvinck Pianola Museum is easily one of the best things to do in the Jordaan neighbourhood, yet it often flies under the radar.
Despite the museum’s small size, it boasts a collection of 30,000 self-playing pianolas, paper music rolls and antique instruments, making it a must-see for music enthusiasts.
Ticket prices include a guided tour with a passionate staff member and you may even get to try one of the pianolas – how fun!
Fancy some live music? They also hold regular concerts in a range of genres, such as jazz and engaging sing-alongs.
If I’ve piqued your interest, keep in mind that the museum is only open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons between 1pm and 5pm, (with an earlier closing time of 4pm on Sundays). As such, you’ll need to plan your visit well to ensure you don’t miss out.
Visiting museums is one of the best things to do in Amsterdam in winter.
6. NTX Museum
The NXT Museum is a bit off the beaten path in Amsterdam Noord, but it’s well worth the journey if you’re into digital art. Since opening in 2020, it’s held several multi-sensory installations that blend art, science, technology and sound.
I’ve only been to this museum once so far, but it’s so different to other galleries in the city. As you stroll through each room, you’re encouraged to interact with the art in many ways. You can easily spend hours here!
Plus, it’s open way into the night which makes it easy to add to a jam-packed Amsterdam itinerary.
If you’re wondering where to stay in Amsterdam, consider staying in Noord. I’m a little biased as it’s my favourite neighbourhood, but it’s close to amazing restaurants, funky bars and cool attractions.
In terms of hotel recommendations, Yotel is just across the road from the NXT Museum. Talk about convenient!
7. Museum Tot Zover
Translating to ‘Museum So Far’, Museum Tot Zover focuses on death. Now, you may find that a bit morbid on your Amsterdam city break, but it’s actually quite thought provoking.
It explores how the Dutch deal with death, funerals and the afterlife with over 2,000 exhibits, photos and videos. This means it’s a good spot to learn more about local culture in the Netherlands.
For me, one of the most fascinating parts of the museum is the selection of hair art. Back in the 19th century, it wasn’t unusual to weave a dead loved one’s hair into intricate jewelry or tiny framed artworks. It may seem strange, but back then, it was a common way to mourn, express grief and remember family and friends who had passed away.
8. Our Lord in the Attic Museum
I’ve been to my fair share of crazy attractions in Amsterdam, but this one always leaves me in awe. Housed inside a historic canal house, Our Lord in the Attic (Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder) is a 17th-century building with a twist: it has a church in the attic.
The church was built back in the day when Catholics were prohibited from practising their faith in public. Several house churches were built and while most have now been destroyed, this one stood the test of time and was restored to its current state.
Although it’s one of the more popular museums on this list, it’s still far less crowded than the top landmarks in Amsterdam.
9. Body Worlds
Located along the Damrak and open daily until 10pm, Body Worlds it’s well loved by tourists interested in science and the human body.
The museum uses preserved human body parts to explore how they work, what affects our health and how happiness plays a huge part in our overall wellbeing. Surprisingly, the bodies are real and were previously donated for scientific and medical research. Wow!
During your visit, you can measure your blood pressure, get a free body scan and see what’s happening beneath your skin. The museum aims to make you think about your body, health and what truly makes you happy.
10. Houseboat Museum
Amsterdam is known for its historic canals and if you’ve been to the city, you will have spotted the countless houseboats. Hendrika Maria (AKA the Houseboat Museum) is an old cargo ship that dates back to 1914. It’s had many uses over the years and was once a studio for painter Herman Stoel.
These days, you can experience what life is like on the water. You may not think it from the outside, but the boat houses a good-sized kitchen, living space, bathroom and several beds.
When I first visited the Houseboat Museum a few years ago, it had a cosy yet nautical feel with a vintage radio, comfortable chairs and maritime ornaments. It’s since been redecorated in a retro style which offers a different vibe that I think I prefer. It’s very jazzy!
11. Hash, Marihuana & Hemp Museum
Many travellers hit up the Dutch capital to visit their renowned coffee shops. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend trying the er… local delicacies, but the Hash, Marihuana & Hemp Museum is a great place to learn more about the medical, industrial and cultural uses of the cannabis plant.
With over 9,000 exhibits, tickets are priced fairly at €11.45 and include entry to both the museum and the nearby Hemp Gallery. It’s open until 8pm – 10pm depending on the day of the week, making it a worthy contender for nighttime activities in Amsterdam.
12. Red Light Secrets
The Red Light District is an infamous part of Amsterdam known for its controversial take on sex work, but it also offers an intriguing yet educational glimpse into the profession.
Situated in the heart of De Wallen, Red Light Secrets takes you behind closed doors of a former brothel to discover industry secrets. As you stroll through each room, you’ll learn more about the trade from Inga, a known worker in the city. You’ll also hear interviews that highlight the challenges and realities faced by people working in the field.
If you do choose to visit the area, do not take photos of the women as this is extremely disrespectful.
13. The Torture Museum
Set in a dimly lit building, the Torture Museum shares the history of punishment and interrogation in the Middle Ages with instruments like the guillotine, cradle and iron chair. Alongside each instrument, you’ll find stories and informative notes on why these methods were used.
While it’s not for the faint-hearted, the museum aims to educate travellers on how justice was enforced many years ago. It may be a little gruesome, but it’s interesting if you’re not squeamish. I probably wouldn’t go with kids, though!
14. Kattenkabinet
Like cats? Then Kattenkabinet will be right up your street! This museum is housed inside a 17th-century canal house and dedicated solely to cats. The building itself was constructed in 1667 and has a rich history, but it’s the museum’s contents that make it stand out.
Not only does it house cat-focused drawings, statues, vintage posters and photos, but its art collection includes pieces from world-famous names like Rembrandt and Pablo Picasso. You can also buy cat-themed presents for the crazy cat ladies in your life.
As if that wasn’t enough, there are a few resident cats that roam freely around the building. When I bought my ticket, I saw a note that said one particular cat isn’t always super friendly. However, every cat I saw seemed to love the attention so maybe I caught him on a good day!
If you want to learn more, you can book a guided tour of the museum every Tuesday at 11am before they open to the public. This gives you an hour to delve deep into the works on display without heaps of other tourists.
15. Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
If you’re looking for an activity suited to all ages, head to Ripley’s Believe It or Not! It’s bursting with quirky exhibits, distinct facts and interactive displays.
However, at the time of writing, some of these displays are no longer working which may lead to disappointment. Short on time? Then you may want to skip Ripley’s and go somewhere else instead.
If you do end up visiting, check out the lounge for unobstructed views of Dam Square.
Final thoughts
As you can see, there are plenty of unusual museums in Amsterdam. With no shortage of offbeat attractions, you could spend days visiting hidden gems in the Dutch capital.
As someone who’s been to most spots on this list (all but four of them), I can honestly say that they provide a unique and fun-filled experience. These museums won’t be for everyone, but they allow you to get off the typical tourist route and see a different side of the city.
Looking for more wild adventures? Read my article on the craziest things to do in Amsterdam!
