15 impressive World War II museums in the Netherlands

Visit the Anne Frank House and learn about Anne's life during a difficult time in history. Walk through the secret annex where she and her family hid during World War II. See her original diary and explore personal items like photographs and letters. The museum offers videos and displays that help you understand the impact of the Holocaust. It's a quiet and powerful place that invites you to reflect and remember. Plan your visit to experience this important story.

Visit the Nationaal Holocaust Museum in Amsterdam and meet the past with care and clarity. You walk through personal stories of survivors, see authentic items, and view photos that tell how life changed in wartime. You can explore a recreated street, a restored train carriage, and a quiet memory room. Interactive displays invite you to reflect, learn, and ask questions. The visit honors dignity, resilience, and the importance of never forgetting.

Visit the Verzetsmuseum Amsterdam to discover brave acts from World War II. In the main exhibition you meet real people through personal stories, letters, photos and diaries. See everyday objects, underground posters, and a reconstruction of a hidden space. You can listen to survivors, watch brief films, and hear stories of courage, resistance, and hope. This is a respectful, accessible experience that invites reflection and learning for all visitors today.

Visit the Jewish Museum Amsterdam and its Junior program. You explore simple displays that show daily life, faith and memory of Dutch Jews. See a mezuzah, a menorah, old photos and traditional clothing. Learn through hands-on activities and short films made for families. The Junior trail offers clear steps so kids and adults discover together. You leave with a respectful, hopeful view of history. The spaces are welcoming and friendly staff are ready to help you. Ask about family workshops and school visits.

Welcome to the Herinneringscentrum Kamp Westerbork in Hooghalen, a place to learn, reflect and remember. You explore personal stories, photos and artifacts from the wartime camp. See a reconstructed barracks, the memorial wall, and a short film in the cinema. Interactive displays share voices of survivors, while a calm garden invites reflection and tribute to those who suffered. Guided tours and kid-friendly panels help every visitor understand this history.

Located near Leusden, Nationaal Monument Kamp Amersfoort invites you to learn about a former prison camp with care. You can see preserved cell blocks, a guard tower, and objects that bring personal stories to life. A short film, photographs, and letters help you understand daily life and the choices people faced. The site also features a quiet memorial garden and opportunities for guided tours and reflection, with friendly staff ready to answer questions.

Step into the Vrijheidsmuseum in Groesbeek and discover how people lived through war and liberation. You will see uniforms, letters, photos, and everyday objects that tell personal stories. Explore a recreated street, a short documentary, and interactive displays that explain local history in clear steps. Touch panels invite you to listen to memories, and a quiet corner offers space to reflect. This visit respects sensitive topics and invites you to learn with care. You can take notes or join a guided talk to hear the stories behind the objects.

Visit the National Monument Oranjehotel in The Hague and discover life under war. See original cells, letters, and personal notes that tell real stories of resistance. Experience short films, audio testimonies, and photographs that bring history to life. You can inspect uniforms, walk through the old halls, and learn how civilians helped others. This respectful exhibit invites memory of courage and sacrifice. It also offers guided talks, a short tour, and a quiet place to reflect on what happened.

Visit the Airborne Museum Hartenstein in Oosterbeek, a welcoming place in a historic hotel that became a wartime headquarters. It tells the story of Operation Market Garden and the brave paratroopers of 1944. See authentic uniforms, weapons, maps and letters, plus a life-sized diorama of a family home. Enjoy interactive displays, a Memorial Wing, and a quiet courtyard. You can listen to audio memories, read survivor stories, or join a guided tour for deeper context. There is an accessible route, friendly staff, a small shop and a café.

Welcome to Bevrijdingsmuseum Zeeland in Nieuwdorp, a welcoming place where you learn about the fight for freedom. Here you can see authentic uniforms, ration cards, a reconstructed street, and a bomb crater model. You can listen to survivor stories, touch personal items, and explore a 1940s classroom and kitchen. Friendly staff answer questions, and the museum offers short films and kid-friendly activities. Come and reflect on courage, resilience, and peace. The route is accessible, with clear signs and friendly staff ready to help.

At the National Military Museum, you explore the history of the Dutch armed forces in a clear and engaging way. Walk past real tanks, helicopters and fighter jets. Learn about the daily lives of soldiers and experience how the military has helped shape the Netherlands. Try interactive displays and discover stories from both past and present. The museum offers something for all ages, making it a powerful and respectful way to understand Dutch military history.

Visit the Kazemattenmuseum in Kornwerderzand, a welcoming place that tells the wartime fortifications story in clear terms. You walk through a preserved tunnel, see gun emplacements and bunkers, and touch real metal doors. You view old photos and maps, read simple captions, and hear short audio stories. A friendly guide, clear signs, and comfortable rooms make the visit easy for everyone. You can join a short guided tour and ask questions. There is a quiet room to reflect, and a small shop with simple souvenirs.

Welcome to the War Museum Medemblik, where you discover local stories from past conflicts. You will see uniforms and medals, a restored street scene, a WWII classroom, and a quiet hall with short films. Explore old photos, letters, and a ship model that reflects nearby waters. Listen to personal memories in audio stations and touch safe replicas as you learn in a calm, respectful setting. It is suitable for families, students, and seniors, with clear signs and friendly staff to help you. Guided tours are available.

Visit the Nationaal Onderduikmuseum in Aalten and step into the wartime world of hiding and resilience. You will see authentic uniforms, a dugout, personal letters, and a small radio that kept families connected. Feel how supplies felt and hear the voices of people who sheltered others. Take a calm tour, watch a short film, and try the simple interactive displays. This museum invites you to learn with care and reflect on courage and hope. A friendly guide shares real stories from local people, and you can see a recreated hiding place.

Welcome to the Fries Museum in Leeuwarden. Discover the culture, art and history of Friesland in friendly, clear displays. See traditional costumes, farming tools, and ship models. Enjoy interactive exhibits for all ages, short films, and quiet spaces to reflect. You can learn a few Frisian phrases, hear local stories, and view works by regional artists. Plan a relaxed visit and take home new insights about the region. If you want, you can join a short tour or ask staff for tips. Bring friends and enjoy a friendly atmosphere.