The Nieuwe Kerk ("New Church") stands on Dam Square, next to the Royal Palace. Consecrated in 1409, it has hosted the investiture of Dutch monarchs since 1814, including that of King Willem-Alexander in 2013. Run by a foundation since 1979, it now serves as an exhibition venue, with around 150,000 visitors a year. It is open every day from 10am to 5pm. The ticket price depends on the current exhibition: €25 for an adult until 25 October 2026, then €20 from 26 October; entry is free up to the age of 11.
Highlights
The church on the "new side"
Its name sets it apart from the Oude Kerk, the 13th-century church on the other side of the Damrak. As the city grew, a second parish church was needed: the leading citizen Willem Eggert offered his orchard as a building site, and the church was dedicated to Saint Catherine in 1409.
The tomb of Michiel de Ruyter
This marble funerary monument, carved by Rombout Verhulst, honours the 17th-century Dutch admiral. It belongs to the interior created after the fire of 1645, which had left the church a charred ruin.
The great organ
Rebuilt after the fire of 1645, it is now the largest historic organ in the Netherlands. The carved pulpit and the brass choir screen date from the same restoration.
The royal church
Before the brass choir screen, every monarch since Willem I in 1814 has sworn the oath: Willem II, Willem III, Wilhelmina, Juliana, Beatrix and Willem-Alexander on 30 April 2013. The church wedding of Willem-Alexander and Máxima took place here on 2 February 2002.
The 4 May Remembrance
Every year the church hosts the Remembrance Day service, followed by about a million television viewers. The Commemoration Window, designed by Toon Verhoef in 1995, recalls the Liberation of 1945.
The exhibitions
Since its major restoration (1959-1980), the church has staged large exhibitions on art, photography and culture. Until 25 October 2026: World Press Photo 2026. From 26 October 2026 to 4 April 2027: Queer Amsterdam, the Pink City.
Opening hours and tickets
Every day from 10am to 5pm, last entry 4:30pm; closed on 27 April, 3 to 5 May, 28 May, 8 July, 25 December and 1 January. During World Press Photo: adults €25; ages 12-17, students, CJP and Uitpas €15. During Queer Amsterdam: adults €20; ages 12-17, students and CJP €13.50; Uitpas €12. Free up to the age of 11 and with the Museumkaart, the I amsterdam City Card, the Go City pass, the Stadspas or an ICOM card.
Infos pratiques
Tips
The ticket and the visit change with each exhibition: check the programme before you go. Payment is by card only. On Friday 9 October 2026, the church closes at 4pm (last entry 2pm). All galleries are wheelchair accessible; the toilets, on the lower level of the café, are reached by lift. Prices checked in October 2026.
How to get there
Dam, 1012 NP Amsterdam. A 10-minute walk from Amsterdam Centraal along the Damrak. GVB tram stop Dam (lines 2, 4, 14, 17 and 24); metro 52, Rokin station, a 4-5 minute walk.
Opening hours
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