Venue & Travel Information

Allard Pierson Museum

A Window into the Ancient World

The Allard Pierson is the museum and knowledge center of the University of Amsterdam, bringing more than 10,000 years of cultural history to life. Located in the heart of the city, it houses extraordinary collections from ancient civilizations including Egypt, the Near East, Greece, Etruria, and Rome. Visitors can explore everything from mummies and mosaics to classical sculpture, Roman glass, maps, manuscripts, and even digitized sound archives.

History & Location

The museum is named after Allard Pierson (1831–1896), the first professor of archaeology at the University of Amsterdam. It first opened its doors in 1934 and moved to its current home in 1976: the monumental former Dutch National Bank building on Oude Turfmarkt, a stone’s throw from Dam Square, Rokin, and the Flower Market.

Highlights of the Collection

  • Egyptian Antiquities: Animal mummies, sarcophagi, and funerary objects.
  • Greek & Roman Art: Vases, jewelry, sculptures, glassware, and coins.
  • Etruscan Treasures: Statuettes, tomb reconstructions, and ornaments.
  • Cartography & Maps: Over 1,000 historical maps tracing the world’s changing borders.
  • Cast Gallery: Around 300 plaster casts of iconic Greek sculptures.
  • Cabinet of Stories: A rotating feature that shines a spotlight on special objects.
  • The Studio: Preserves and plays recordings from Amsterdam’s rich audio heritage.

    • Visitors can also see models of ancient Olympia, a Hellenistic war elephant, and rare portraits like that of Persian king Artaxerxes III.

    Visiting Information

  • Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 – 17:00 (closed Mondays, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day).
  • Tickets: €15.50 adults, reduced prices for students and children. Free entry for Museumkaart holders.
  • Facilities: A café, museum shop, reading room, and accessible spaces make it a comfortable and inviting place for all.

    • Getting There

  • Metro: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 – 17:00 (closed Mondays, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day).
  • Tram: Lines 4 and 14. (Rokin stop)
  • By foot: 10 minutes from Dam Square.
  • By bike: Secure underground parking at Rokin. (first 24 hours free)
  • By boat: Jetty access directly by the entrance.

    • A Place for Research & Inspiration

    Beyond its public exhibitions, the Allard Pierson is a leading heritage and research institute. It preserves and showcases university collections in archaeology, cartography, book history, Jewish culture, church history, literature, graphic design, and zoology. Its mission is to connect the past with the present, offering both scholars and visitors a deeper understanding of cultural history.

    Visitor Information – Amsterdam

    Discover Amsterdam

    Amsterdam is a city of canals, culture, and creativity. Famous for its 17th-century canal ring, world-class museums, and vibrant neighborhoods, the city offers something for every visitor: history, art, nightlife, shopping, and a uniquely Dutch way of life.

    Getting Around

  • Public Transport: Trams, buses, metro, and ferries are run by GVB and connect all parts of the city.
  • Cycling: The most popular way to move around. Rent a bike to explore the city like a local.
  • Walking: Many highlights are within walking distance in the historic center.
  • Driving: Not recommended—parking is limited and expensive.

    • City Pass

    The I amsterdam City Card offers free access to many museums, unlimited public transport, a canal cruise, and discounts at attractions and restaurants.

    Travel Tip

    Dress in layers, keep an umbrella handy, and plan indoor activities like museum visits for wet days. October is quieter than the summer season, making it a great time to explore Amsterdam at a more relaxed pace.

    Wheater

    Visiting Amsterdam in October means experiencing true autumn in the Netherlands. Days grow shorter, the air turns crisp, and the city glows with golden leaves along the canals.

    Temperatures: Expect daytime highs around 14 °C and cooler nights near 7–8 °C.
    Rainfall: Showers are frequent, so a waterproof jacket and sturdy shoes are recommended.
    Daylight: Early in the month there are about 11.5 hours of daylight, shrinking to just under 10 hours by the end.
    Atmosphere: Cloudy skies are common, but when the sun breaks through it creates a beautiful contrast with the autumn colors.

    LangDev'25 is organized by F1RE, University of Amsterdam & CWI

    CWI