Amsterdam Royal Palace
The Royal Palace of Amsterdam is situated on Dam Square in the very center of Amsterdam and is open to public for scheduled visits.
Short history of the Palace
The project started in 1648 and the first section was opened in 1655. It was originally built as the city hall for the magistrates of Amsterdam. The entire building was constructed of white stone, but none of it visible these days because of effects of the environment. The building served as the city hall for a century and a half.
When in 1806, the Batavian Republic was forced to accept Louis Napoleon, brother of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, as the King of Holland he took possession of the city hall and converted it to a Royal Palace with decoration in the Empire style. Visitors of the Royal Palace can still visit the famous collection of Empire furniture brought by Louis Napoleon.
After the fall of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte in 1813, Prince William, later King William I, returned the Palace to the city of Amsterdam. However, after his investiture, the new King realised the importance of having a home in the capital, and asked city authorities to make the Palace available to him once again.
It was not until 1936 that it became state property. Today the Royal Palace on the Dam is one of the three Palaces, which the State has placed at the King's disposal by an Act of Parliament. It is used for Royal Events like receptions of important persons, the King's New Year event or presentation of prizes.
Amsterdam Palace interior
On 20 July 1655, the burgomasters and the magistrates opened the first section. The Royal Palace is famous for it’s rich and imposing decorations. Renowned sculptors were brought to Amsterdam and famous painters such as Rembrandt and Ferdinand Bol contributed to the interior. The central theme, featuring in much of the decoration, was the power of Amsterdam in particular and the Dutch Republic in general.
Visiting the Amsterdam Royal Palace
The Palace is opened to the public for most of the year. But on some days or on some longer periods of time it is not possible to visit because of official events taking place there.
Still it might be interesting for you to see the official visitors arriving, and you can do so from the outside at the Dam square.
The available visit days are clearly available on the booking webpage accessible through the provided link.
You can book a visit on this Amsterdam Royal Palace reservation website.
Opening hours of Royal Palace
For most of the year it is open 10:00 to 17:00.
But during the summer it is open for an hour later until 18:00.
Royal Palace ticket prices
| 18+: | €12,50 |
| Children under 18: | free |
| Students with valid ID: | €9 |
Gift shop
Catalogues and guidebooks of the collections and actual exhibitions are for sale in the museum shop, as well as books, postcards and royal souvenirs and gifts.
Royal Palace contacts
Post address:
Amsterdam Royal Palace
P.O. Box 3708
1001 AM Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Telephone:
+31206204060
e-mail:
info@dkh.nl