This extensive museum dedicated to Amsterdam Jewish life opened in 1987 and is spread out over what used to be four different synagogues. Begin your journey in the oldest building erected in 1671, which was abandoned for nearly 30 years after WWII until it was finally restored to its former glory. This section of the museum chronicles the earliest years of Jewish settlement in Amsterdam and you can view an impressive array of religious items, holy texts and ancient books as well as a giant silver menorah nearly 2m tall! You can also sit down as if you were a worshipper and watch videos about various rituals and traditions. On the second floor, which was originally used by the female congregation, you can view paintings by famous Jewish artists such as Josef Israels and learn about the large migration of Jews from the Iberian Peninsula, Poland and Lithuania who came to Amsterdam to escape persecution.
Yet another exhibition illustrates Jewish achievements in the 20th century such as the founding of such international retail giants as C&A and HEMA, which were both founded by local Jews. The attempted destruction of Jewish life during the Holocaust is also featured here with displays of objects such as ‘money boxes’, which were left by Jews to their gentile neighbours for safekeeping. Many were donated to the museum decades after the war. A café, museum shop and an incredible children’s museum are also available. The ticket price includes admission to the other three nearby Jewish institutions.