Wereldmuseum Amsterdam occupies the monumental former Colonial Institute, opened in 1926. Its historic architecture and collections now frame exhibitions that examine the museum’s colonial origins, the histories of objects, and the continuing effects of colonialism.
Quick facts
Wereldmuseum Amsterdam opened in 1926 as part of the Colonial Institute.
During the Second World War, the German Grüne Polizei used the Colonial Institute as its headquarters.
Wereldmuseum Amsterdam’s permanent “Our Story” exhibition examines the museum’s colonial history, collection and building.
Get directions to Tropenmuseum. Confirm the visitor entrance and current access with the venue before travelling.
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The building on Linnaeusstraat now houses Wereldmuseum Amsterdam, formerly known as the Tropenmuseum. Before you look at the collections, look up at the architecture. This was designed not as a neutral container, but as a statement about Dutch colonial power. Its scale, reliefs and rooms make the institution’s history visible in the place itself.
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