Oude Kerk Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s oldest building and now a museum
Oude Kerk Amsterdam or Old Church, is an icon of the city. It was built in the 13th century and has a unique place in both the Netherlands and European historical landscape.
Oude Kerk now opens as a museum that focusses on contemporary art and heritage. It does though still run church services every Sunday morning for the Protestant Oude Kerk congregation, something that has been happening since as far back as 1578.
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Oude Kerk is a museum of art that twice yearly showcases new large scale art by renowned artists and has various concerts organised in the cathedral.
Where is Oude Kerk in Amsterdam
Oude Kerk is close to Dam Square and the red light district so is easily walkable from Central Station, taking around 8-10 minutes. You can take a tram to Dam Square using lines 4, 9, 16, 24 or 25. Once in Dam Square you could view two churches in short order as the Nieuwe Kerk is situated here and its a short walk to Oude Kerk. From Dam Square you turn left at the De Bijenkorf store and follow until you reach Warmoesstraat, then into De Wiljde Kerksteeg and you will be in Oudekerksplein. You are likely to see the spire in the skyline to help guide you.
Oude Kerk, Oudekerksplein 23, 1012 GX Amsterdam
Oude Kerk Opening Times
Open Monday to Saturday: 10am till 6pm
Open Sunday 1pm till 5.30pm
What is Oude Kerk used for?
Oude Kerk Amsterdam opens everyday as a museum where you can enjoy beautiful architecture mixed with heritage, history and contemporary fine art. On Sunday’s a church service still runs.
Oude Kerk offers entrance tickets and specialist tours. If you have specific interests the tour can be tailored to focus on architecture, art or the history of the building and Amsterdam. The tours of course will also run as a mix of all of these too.
Oude Kerk is a church but is also a museum and defined as a ‘temple of music’. Church acoustics are unique so listening to music you may not normally hear in a church is a very different experience. Oude Kerk runs music programmes and events alongside the art installations. These events change yearly but seem to run for around 6 months each.
There is a permanent art collection housed within the 700 year old building that is always open to viewing.
Tickets for Oude Kerk
You can check out the Oude Kerk programme of events and buy entrance tickets on their website. Adult tickets cost €12 and kids 13 and under go free. Discounts apply to students too.
If you have an I Amsterdam City Card then entry is free. The Amsterdam City Card is the city’s tourist pass that includes a host of attractions across Amsterdam, as well as free public transport on the GVB network. Learn more about the I Amsterdam City Card or use our link below to buy your pass now.
