Directions
Head west on the Torensluis across the Singel; continue on Oude Leliestraat (stop by award-winning Puccini chocolate shop on the southwest corner for its infamous "bomboni").
Turn left on Herengracht's odd-numbered side. As you approach busy Raadhuistraat, look across to the stunning Bartolotti House, home to the Theater Instituut Nederland (Theatermuseum). Here you can get a better appreciation for the entire facade.
Continue south on Herengracht. Turn right on the near side of Raadhuisstraat, then turn right again on Herengracht's even-numbered side to reach the museum entrance at No. 168.
Theater Instituut Nederland (Theatermuseum)
- Five monumental buildings house the museum, which features a massive collection of costumes, scale-models and even sounds used in theater, as well as a multimedia bank of more than 65,000 performances and 60,000 books.
- Visitors also enjoy the manicured gardens and café in the courtyard.
The Buildings
- Designed by Hendrick de Keyser in 1617, Bartolotti House is a magnificent example of Baroque Amsterdam Renaissance architecture.
- Built for a wealthy merchant in 1638, contrasting Herengracht 168 (the museum's main entrance) boasts Amsterdam's first-constructed neck gable.
- The museum's exquisitely restored interior is worth the entrance fee. Original paintings of landscapes and goddesses by Jacob de Wit and Isaac de Moucheron grace the ceilings and walls. The grand marble staircase in the front hall dates to the 18th century.
