Munttoren: Amsterdam's Mint Tower on the Muntplein

Updated on October 2, 2026

The Munttoren, or Mint Tower, stands on the Muntplein, where the Amstel meets the Singel, at the end of the Kalverstraat and the Rokin. Its base is a remnant of the Regulierspoort, a gate in the medieval city wall built from 1480 to 1487; in 1619-1620 Hendrick de Keyser topped it with the openwork spire you see today. The 35-metre tower carries a 38-bell carillon that plays every quarter of an hour. The tower is not open to visitors: you admire it from the square and the quays, free of charge, at any time.

Highlights

Hendrick de Keyser's spire

After the fire of 1618, only the west tower of the gate was kept. Hendrick de Keyser, architect of the Westerkerk and the Zuiderkerk, added an octagonal storey, four clock faces and an openwork spire. The tower is a national monument (rijksmonument).

The tower lit up over the water

At nightfall, the illuminated tower is reflected in the water where the Amstel joins the Singel. The best view is from the Amstel quay on the Rembrandtplein side, or from the Halvemaansbrug bridge.

The view down the Reguliersbreestraat

From the Rembrandtplein, the Reguliersbreestraat leads straight to the tower, which closes off the view. This is also the way to the parallel Reguliersdwarsstraat and the flower market.

The carillon

The carillon has 38 bells, 13 of them cast by François and Pieter Hemony between 1651 and 1668; they come from the old Exchange on the Rokin and were installed in the tower in 1668. An automatic drum plays a short tune every quarter of an hour. On Saturdays from 2 pm to 3 pm, the city carillonneur, Gideon Bodden, gives a concert.

Why "the Mint"

In 1672, the Disaster Year, the Dutch Republic was invaded by the armies of Louis XIV and the mints of Dordrecht and Enkhuizen could no longer be reached. Amsterdam was granted the right to strike coins, and the mint moved temporarily into the tower building, which kept the name.

The guardhouse and the Delftware shop

The building attached to the tower was rebuilt in 1885-1887 in neo-Renaissance style by Willem Springer. It now houses the Heinen Delfts Blauw shop, which specialises in Delft blue earthenware and is open daily from 9.30 am to 7 pm. On the tower, a drinking fountain is the work of the sculptor Hildo Krop.

Infos pratiques

Tips

The Muntplein is a junction where trams, bikes and pedestrians cross: look both ways before crossing and do not stop on the cycle paths to take photos. The Muntplein tram stop was closed in 2023, so trams cross the square without stopping. The flower market starts right next to the tower, on the Singel. Information checked in October 2026.

How to get there

Muntplein 12, 1012 WR Amsterdam, at the end of the Kalverstraat. Metro 52 or trams 4 and 14, Rokin stop, about a 3-minute walk. From Amsterdam Centraal station, allow 20 minutes on foot via the Damrak, Dam Square and the Kalverstraat. The Rembrandtplein is a 5-minute walk away along the Reguliersbreestraat.