Madame Tussauds Amsterdam is a popular wax figure museum that often welcomes guests from all over the world. Set in the city centre, it's easy to spot the venue even from afar – you'll see its large signage and a pair of wax figures outside the building. Long queues often wind around the corner of the historic structure that houses the museum, while others choose to marvel at it while resting on the benches of Dam Square.

As one of Amsterdam's most popular tourist attractions, Madame Tussauds is always busy. Once inside, you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the meticulous wax figures of some of the world’s biggest names including Adele, Barack Obama, and King Willem-Alexander with Queen Maxima of the Netherlands.

Madame Tussauds Amsterdam - one of the highlights of 9 Best Things to Do with Kids in Amsterdam (Read all about Amsterdam here)

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A brief history of Madame Tussauds Amsterdam

Founded in 1970, Madame Tussauds Amsterdam was the first Madame Tussauds establishment outside of the UK. Originally situated along the shopping streets of Kalverstraat, the museum later moved to the upper floors of the Peek & Cloppenburg retail store that faces Dam Square. The building itself dates back to 1917 and is a popular stop for tourists and locals.

Madame Tussauds Amsterdam displays mainly wax museums of popular artists, prominent political leaders, and royal personalities. In a bid to attract more visitors, interactive attractions were later added in 2012. You'll also find thematic displays and seasonal specials within the museum, so there's always something different to see on each visit.

The museum has 7 sections across 6 floors. It’s fitted with 2 large lifts, allowing easier access for parents with strollers and guests with wheelchairs. Most visitors would spend around 75 minutes at the establishment, making it an ideal stop for a one-day trip to Amsterdam.

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What are the highlights of Madame Tussauds Amsterdam?

For fans of artists like Taylor Swift and Beyonce, the music section of the museum would be your top pick for pictures and videos. The establishment also houses an art section featuring art pieces from Salvador Dali and Mondriaan.

Madame Tussauds Amsterdam offers one of the best spots for a picture with Amsterdam Centraal Station as a backdrop. A large, round window can be found on the highest floor of the museum. In summer, you’ll be able to capture the streets of Damrak and the iconic de Bijenkorf building in a single frame. As days are shorter in autumn and winter, you may be able to capture the sunset from this window before the museum closes for the day.

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Good to know about Madame Tussauds Amsterdam

To avoid the long queues, it's recommended to purchase your tickets online before your visit. This also ensures you'll get a spot on the day of your visit, as tickets are often sold out at the door. If you're interested in enjoying a canal cruise or visiting another museum after Madame Tussauds Amsterdam, consider getting the combi tickets for discounted prices. Children under 4-years-old can enter for free with any paying adult.

You can reach Madame Tussauds Amsterdam by taking the Metro to Rokin on the blue line and exit following the direction of Dam. For visitors exploring the city by the tram, the closest stop is at Dam.

Alternatively, you can walk for around 10 minutes from the Amsterdam Centraal Station to the museum. Along the way, you'll get to explore the quirky buildings of Amsterdam or even stop for a bite at one of the many restaurants that line the streets of Damrak.

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Madame Tussauds Amsterdam

Location: Dam 20, 1012 NP Amsterdam, Netherlands

Open: Daily from noon to 5.30 pm

Phone: +31 (0)20 522 1010

Elie Lam | Contributing Writer