Housed in a former orphanage, the Historical Museum explores Amsterdam's development from a small medieval settlement along the river into a thriving modern city. The museum's galleries showcase the progress of each century, with particular emphasis given to Holland's Golden Age. The museum provides a showpiece of Dutch Master paintings, archaeological discoveries, gold, silver, glass, earthenware and other artefacts. The museum fee covers entry to the Civic Guards Gallery. This is a glass-roofed gallery stretching between Kalverstraat and the Begijnhof, lined with portraits of Amsterdam's Civic Guards dating back to the 17th century.

Address: Kalverstraat 92

E-mail: info@ahm.amsterdam.nl

Website: www.ahm.nl

Telephone: (020) 523 1822

Transport: 10-minute walk from Central Station; tram 1, 2, 5 to Spui; or tram 4, 9, 14, 16, 24 and 25 to Rokin

Opening times: Open Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm; Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 5pm. Closed 1 January, 30 April and 25 December

Admission: €10 (adults), €5 (children aged 6 to 16)