The New Church is De Nieuwe Kerk, a medieval Gothic church and exhibition venue at Dam, 1012 NP Amsterdam, in the historic Centrum district, Netherlands. Consecrated in 1409, it became Amsterdam’s second parish church as the city outgrew the Oude Kerk. Today, travelers visit for monumental interiors, changing exhibitions, naval memorials and royal history: Willem-Alexander’s inauguration took place here on 30 April 2013. Its location beside the Royal Palace makes it an easy addition to a central Amsterdam itinerary.
What to Expect at The New Church
Look beyond the exhibition installations to the architecture itself. After a devastating fire in 1645, Amsterdam rebuilt and embellished the interior with a brass choir screen, imposing organs and an exceptionally tall pulpit. The pulpit, including its projecting sounding board, rises more than 13 meters. The main instrument is the Netherlands’ largest historic pipe organ; a second, smaller organ occupies the transept. Hundreds of grave slabs form part of the floor, while surviving painted angels on pillars recall the colorful Catholic interior concealed after Amsterdam became Protestant in 1578. The church’s interior guide identifies these features.
This is an exhibition venue inside a historic monument, rather than a conventional museum with a fixed maritime collection. Check the exhibition calendar before choosing your date, since installations influence the visitor experience. For the building’s own story, use its digital history guide and seek out Admiral Michiel de Ruyter’s elaborate tomb, designed by Rombout Verhulst and installed in 1682 where the high altar once stood. Royal associations extend beyond inaugurations: Willem-Alexander and Máxima’s wedding service was held here on 2 February 2002. The official history explains these connections.
- Brass choir screen: A major surviving feature of the richly furnished post-fire interior.
- Monumental pulpit: Its enormous overhead sounding board rewards a careful upward look.
- Historic organs: Compare the main organ with the smaller transept instrument.
- Naval memorials: Find monuments associated with Michiel de Ruyter and Jan van Galen.
- Royal stained glass: Look for windows commemorating Wilhelmina’s inauguration and Beatrix’s reign, documented in the church chronology.
The New Church at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Dam, 1012 NP Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Neighborhood / Area | Centrum; Dam Square, beside the Royal Palace |
| Operating Hours | Daily 10:00–17:00; last entry 16:30. Closed 27 April, 25 December and 1 January; check additional exceptions. |
| Admission & Ticket Prices | Adults €20; ages 12–17 and students/CJP €13.50; children through 11 free. Museumkaart and I amsterdam City Card holders free. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 60–90 minutes; allow two hours for detailed exhibition viewing. |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Metro 52 to Rokin, then 4–5 minutes on foot; Centraal Station approximately 10 minutes away. Parking: de Bijenkorf, Nieuwezijds Kolk or Rokin. |
| Official Website / Phone | De Nieuwe Kerk; +31 20 626 8168 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive near 10:00 to give yourself ample viewing time, especially if combining the church with another attraction. Reserve an online timeslot for your chosen exhibition; advance booking is recommended rather than compulsory, and tickets are also sold at the entrance. Bring a debit or credit card because the venue does not accept cash. Check the current visitor information before departure for opening exceptions, ticket categories and exhibition arrangements. Traveling light also makes the visit easier; the venue directs visitors with large bags to nearby Lockerpoint storage.
Metro 52 to Rokin offers a straightforward approach; alternatively, walk from Centraal Station. All exhibition spaces are wheelchair-accessible, and a lift reaches the toilets below street level in ’t Nieuwe Kafé. Wheelchairs and rollators can be reserved ahead because availability is limited. The medieval setting includes historic grave-slab flooring, so take care underfoot. For nearby pairings, the Royal Palace is immediately adjacent; the Begijnhof is roughly 10 minutes away, while the Nine Streets’ cafés and independent shops are about 10–15 minutes away on foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is The New Church open, and when should I arrive?
Standard published hours are 10:00–17:00 daily, with last entry at 16:30. Arrive at opening for an unhurried visit, and check the official calendar for closures or altered hours.
What do tickets cost, and are reservations required?
Adults pay €20; ages 12–17 and students/CJP pay €13.50. Children through 11 enter free. Online reservations are recommended, not mandatory, according to the booking FAQ.
How much time should I budget?
Allow 60–90 minutes for the exhibition and architectural highlights. Budget two hours if you enjoy reading exhibition texts and following the digital history guide.
Is it suitable for families and wheelchair users?
Children through 11 receive free admission, although exhibition themes vary. All exhibition spaces accommodate wheelchairs, and the café’s basement toilets have lift access. Reserve a loan wheelchair or rollator ahead.
When planning your Amsterdam travel guide or comparing verified attractions and museums in Amsterdam, pair this stop with standout local spots including Radisson Blu Hotel, Amsterdam City Center, Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Centre, Amstel Antiques Records, and Three Little Bottles (nearby).
