Consecrated in 1306, the Oude Kerk is Amsterdam's oldest surviving building, sitting at the heart of the Red Light District. It holds Europe's largest medieval wooden vault, 2,500 gravestones covering roughly 60,000 burials, four historic organs including the restored 1724 Vater-Müller organ, and rare pre-Reformation stained glass. Since 2012 the church has doubled as a contemporary art space, commissioning site-specific installations from artists including Christian Boltanski, Nicolas Jaar and Marinus Boezem alongside its permanent architecture and heritage.
Visitor Information
- How much does Oude Kerk cost?
- Standard adult admission to Oude Kerk is €13.5. Students/CJP €7, youth 13-17 €7, children 6-12 €3.50, under 6 free; free with Museumkaart and I Amsterdam City Card. Prices for special exhibitions and timed-entry slots may differ.
- What are the opening hours of Oude Kerk?
- Oude Kerk is open Mon-Sat 10:00-18:00, Sun 13:00-17:30. Closed 27 April (King's Day) and 25 December, and occasionally during exhibition changeovers.. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.
- Where is Oude Kerk?
- Oude Kerk is located at Oudekerksplein 23, 1012 GX Amsterdam, Netherlands, in the De Wallen / Red Light District area of Amsterdam. The nearest stations are Amsterdam Centraal, Nieuwmarkt.
- What can I see at Oude Kerk?
- Amsterdam's oldest building, a 700-year-old church now staging bold contemporary art under its medieval wooden vault. Current highlights include Annunciation and Visitation in Stained Glass, Visit the Oudekerkstoren, Jesse Darling: Godsworth.
- Do I need to book Oude Kerk in advance?
- Booking ahead is recommended, especially for weekends, school holidays, and special exhibitions. Tickets are normally on the museum's website, and a pre-booked timed slot helps you avoid queues at the entrance.
- When is the best time to visit Oude Kerk?
- Weekday mornings shortly after opening are typically the quietest, especially mid-week. Late afternoons can also be calmer. Weekends, school holidays, and the lunch rush are the busiest periods.