Royal Palace Amsterdam

The Royal Palace Amsterdam is located in the heart of the city on the Dam and serves as one of the three official residences available to King Willem-Alexander. On days when no royal ceremonies or official state visits are scheduled, this impressive seventeenth-century monument opens its doors to the general public. Visitors can admire the monumental halls, the refined sculptures, and the valuable art collection.

A monument from the Golden Age, designed as a city hall. The construction of the current palace took place between 1648 and 1665, based on the architectural drawings of the renowned architect Jacob van Campen. Initially, the building was intended as the new city hall of Amsterdam. In the seventeenth century, the structure was even known as the eighth wonder of the world, because it reflected the enormous wealth and power of the Dutch Republic during the Golden Age. The transformation from city hall to royal palace finally took place in the year 1808, at the initiative of Lodewijk Napoleon.

The breathtaking Burgerzaal

The absolute centerpiece of the building is the monumental Burgerzaal. This room is nearly thirty meters high and features a magnificent marble floor inlaid with world maps and a celestial vault. The walls are decorated with high-quality sculptures by the artist Artus Quellinus. His sculpture perfectly illustrates the proud and self-confident mentality of the Amsterdam bourgeoisie at that time.

Masterpieces by Rembrandt's Contemporaries

Within the permanent exhibition, there are various paintings and sculptures by renowned artists such as Ferdinand Bol, Govert Flinck, and Jan Lievens, all of whom were active during the same period as Rembrandt. This offering is complemented by rotating exhibitions that delve deeper into the past and the contemporary role of the palace. Additionally, the complex houses a unique collection of original Empire furniture dating from the reign of Lodewijk Napoleon.

The active working palace of the Royal Family. Today, the building is still in use as a working palace. King Willem-Alexander uses it to formally welcome foreign heads of state and to present prestigious state awards. Other members of the Royal House also regularly hold their official gatherings here. Due to these royal functions, the palace may sometimes be unexpectedly closed to tourists. It is therefore advisable to check the official website for the most up-to-date opening hours prior to a visit.

An absolute crowd favorite in the capital. With an excellent average score of 4.6 stars, based on an impressive number of over 26,000 reviews, the Royal Palace can count itself among Amsterdam's absolute top attractions. To make the rich history understandable for young and old, an audio tour is available in Dutch and English, among other languages.