iBuilt between 1648 and 1665 as Amsterdam's town hall at the height of the Dutch Golden Age, this Dutch Baroque landmark on Dam Square became a royal palace under Louis Bonaparte in 1808 and has served the House of Orange ever since. Its grand Citizens' Hall, lined with marble reliefs and floor maps of the known world, was designed by Jacob van Campen as a "miniature universe" reflecting Amsterdam's self-image as a global trading power. Today King Willem-Alexander uses it for state visits and official receptions, while the public rooms remain open as a museum with a free audio tour.

The palace's 34m marble heart, designed by Jacob van Campen as a symbolic "miniature universe" with floor maps of the world and sky beneath the enthroned Amsterdam Maiden.
A gilded mahogany "lit en bateau" made in Paris for King Louis Bonaparte in 1806, once set on a tiger-skin platform in the royal bedroom.
A 720kg gilded brass chandelier commissioned by King William III in 1875 for Het Loo, too large for its intended room and now hanging in the palace's Council Chamber.

A 6-metre marble titan bearing the heavens, the statue Amsterdammers once used to warn children the sky would fall if he dropped it — a bronze twin stands outside on Dam Square.
Dam, 1012 RJ Amsterdam, Netherlands
Nearest station: Dam (tram 2, 4, 12, 13, 14, 17), Rokin (metro 52) and Amsterdam Centraal
Show on map| Mon | 10:00–17:30 |
| Tue | 10:00–17:30 |
| Wed | 10:00–17:30 |
| Thu | 10:00–17:30 |
| Fri | 10:00–17:30 |
| SatToday | 10:00–17:30 |
| Sun | 10:00–17:30 |
From €13.50
Students €9.00; visitors 17 and under, Museumkaart and ICOM members free; audio tour included
Last verified