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The Tropenmuseum is one of the least
crowded museums in Amsterdam, surprising
because it's well worth a couple of hours of
anyone's time. It is especially suitable if
you have children because it presents facts
visually with an entertaining collection of
exhibits. The imposing facade of the
exterior (see above) gives some idea of how
interesting it actually is. It is
frequently described in books and on the
internet as an ethnographic museum which
means nothing to the writer of this article!
For enquiring tourists, who are
similarly baffled by such words, it is a
museum which concentrates on aspects of
human society. In particular, the
Tropenmuseum specialise in societies of the
tropical and sub-tropical areas. Most of the
descriptions around the museum are in
English, great for those who don't
understand Dutch. |
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This definitely a museum suitable for
adults but at the same time it will keep the
kids amused. Some of the exhibits are truly
gruesome, scary even. Click the picture on
the right to get some idea of just how scary
they are. Most kids will have a great time.
Many of the exhibits have accompanying
videos which are explained by a cartoon like
character. Again great for the kids but at
the same time they give a huge amount of
information in a very engaging and straight
forward manner. Other exhibits depict not
only day to life items, such as soap,
clothes and cooking utensils, but also
religious and and artistic items. |
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Village life in the tropics and
sub-tropics is interestingly covered with
reconstructed shopping and living areas. The
manner in which the exhibits are displayed
and described brings it to life in a most
unusual way. In the centre of the ground
floor there is a contemporary art exhibition
which changes on a regular basis. At the end
of a walk round there is the mandatory gift
shop. A cafe is also on site which serves
good food and with excellent views. |
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We thoroughly recommend a visit to
this museum. Both adults and kids will be
entertained and informed at the same time.
OPENING TIMES AND DIRECTIONS:
Opening Times: Daily 10.00am
to 5.00pm. There are kids shows on at weekends
Location: Linnaeusstraat 2 in
the east side of Amsterdam
Public Transport: Trams 9 and
14
Entrance Prices: Adults €7.50,
students and OAPs €6, children 6 to 17 €4, under 6
is free
Official website:
Tropenmuseum.nl. There is an English version
which can be found
here.
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