Hollandsche Schouwburg (Holocaust Memorial & Dutch Theater), Amsterdam
The Dutch Theater started as a lively venue where Jewish artists could shine and share their talents without fear. But in October 1941, the Nazis took over, turning it into a grim holding center. It became a gathering place for Amsterdam鈥檚 Jewish community before their devastating deportations the following summer. Inside, the darkened space and dire conditions foreshadowed the horrors that awaited them.
After the war, the building鈥檚 future hung in uncertainty. Eventually, its facade was restored and the front area refurbished. Today, visitors can see an eternal flame on the ground floor, positioned before a poignant list of those lost in the concentration camp. Four short films guide you through the theater鈥檚 journey and its dark history. Upstairs, a small exhibit remembers the pre-war days of the Dutch Theater, while the next level houses a detailed display on the city鈥檚 Jewish community during the Holocaust, filled with wartime photos and haunting film clips.
The old auditorium at the rear, however, remains a stark contrast. Open to the sky, with its roof long gone, it鈥檚 an empty shell of what it once was. Where the stage once stood, a basalt memorial column rises from a Star of David base. The space is a solemn, heartrending tribute鈥攁 permanent reminder of the countless lives forever altered.
After the war, the building鈥檚 future hung in uncertainty. Eventually, its facade was restored and the front area refurbished. Today, visitors can see an eternal flame on the ground floor, positioned before a poignant list of those lost in the concentration camp. Four short films guide you through the theater鈥檚 journey and its dark history. Upstairs, a small exhibit remembers the pre-war days of the Dutch Theater, while the next level houses a detailed display on the city鈥檚 Jewish community during the Holocaust, filled with wartime photos and haunting film clips.
The old auditorium at the rear, however, remains a stark contrast. Open to the sky, with its roof long gone, it鈥檚 an empty shell of what it once was. Where the stage once stood, a basalt memorial column rises from a Star of David base. The space is a solemn, heartrending tribute鈥攁 permanent reminder of the countless lives forever altered.
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Hollandsche Schouwburg (Holocaust Memorial & Dutch Theater) on Map
Sight Name: Hollandsche Schouwburg (Holocaust Memorial & Dutch Theater)
Sight Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands (See walking tours in Amsterdam)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands (See walking tours in Amsterdam)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Create Your Own Walk in Amsterdam
Creating your own self-guided walk in Amsterdam is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Western Canal Belt Walking Tour
The Western Canal Belt is Amsterdam at its most iconic鈥攑icture-perfect and brimming with history. Part of the city鈥檚 famed Canal Ring, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it鈥檚 a neighborhood that marries beauty and function.
Back in the 17th century, the three major canals鈥攖he Gentlemen鈥檚 Canal, the Emperor鈥檚 Canal, and the Prince鈥檚 Canal鈥攚ere masterfully designed to loop around the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Back in the 17th century, the three major canals鈥攖he Gentlemen鈥檚 Canal, the Emperor鈥檚 Canal, and the Prince鈥檚 Canal鈥攚ere masterfully designed to loop around the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Southern Canal Belt Walking Tour
The Canal District, known as Grachtengordel in Dutch, is a globally renowned example of urban planning and architectural excellence within Amsterdam. This area has remained remarkably well-preserved for over four centuries, celebrated for its charming small bridges, canal crossings, and 17th-century residences. Encircling the Old City Centre in a horseshoe shape, the Canal Ring encompasses three... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Amsterdam's Historical Churches Walking Tour
The history of Amsterdam is deeply intertwined with its religious heritage. The city is home to several historical churches, each with its own unique charm and significance. These religious sites serve as both spiritual centers and architectural treasures that provide insight into the city's past.
Our walk starts in the Central Station area and leads you to visit the eight most prominent... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Our walk starts in the Central Station area and leads you to visit the eight most prominent... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Amsterdam Food Tour
Amsterdam's food scene is a delightful fusion of local traditions and global influences. Making your way through the interlocking canals, pretty bridges, and a maze of streets laden with diverse eateries and bars may easily render you hankering for a bite to eat and/or a drink to wash it down with.
The diverse culinary landscape of Amsterdam caters to a wide range of tastes and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
The diverse culinary landscape of Amsterdam caters to a wide range of tastes and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Jordaan Walking Tour
The Jordaan district of Amsterdam is a popular neighborhood renowned for its charming, narrow streets, quaint courtyards, and picturesque canals. Replete with beautiful historic houses, many of which have been converted into cozy caf茅s, trendy boutiques, and art galleries, this district has a distinctive atmosphere that sets it apart from other areas in the city.
The Jordaan was originally... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
The Jordaan was originally... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
City Center Walking Tour
The inner-most borough and historic heart of Amsterdam, known locally as Centrum, is a tightly woven network of canals and overlapping micro-neighborhoods, each bursting with their own unique vibe and history. Formerly a working-class area, this district is reputed for its traditional community spirit, radical politics and historic brown bars.
Here, all within an easy walking distance you will... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Here, all within an easy walking distance you will... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
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