City Archives Amsterdam

So many treasures!

Ana from Amsterdam

"When exploring Amsterdam's famous canal belt, make sure to visit the art nouveau "City Archives", the most extensive municipal archives in the world!"

When exploring Amsterdam's famous canal belt, make sure you take some time to visit the most extensive municipal archives in the world, right at the Vijzelstraat, a long street where three of the old main canals converge.

De Bazel, the edifice you're heading to, is named after its architect, Karel de Bazel, who designed, in the twenties of the last century, this monumental exemplary of Brick Expressionism. The former headquarters of the Dutch Trade Society is now home to the Stadsarchief - the City Archives -, as well as a conference center, a restaurant, and a library specializing in books about the city.

My favorite part of this building is the Schatkamer, or Treasure Room, located on floor -1, in a magnificent vault room in Art Nouveau. The exhibition inside showcases essential periods of the city's history through images by iconic Dutch photographers, maps, drawings, and other artifacts. There is even a movie theatre, in the very back of the gallery, where I like to sit on rainy days, watching documentaries on Amsterdam. And the cherry on top of the cake: it's all free of charge.

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Amsterdam Spotter Ana

About me I am Ana, an actress turned content and social media wizard. I am passionate about Amsterdam, that's why I've created a blog where the city plays the main role: amsterdive.com. My roots are Portuguese but I'm an Amsterdammer at heart. When I'm not writing, you'll find me at the yoga studio - I'm a yoga teacher as well. I'm all about conscious life, (inner and outer) exploration, and coffee. Take me out to dance at an African / Tropical party and you'll have my heart. Why Amsterdam Amsterdam has the best of all worlds: it feels like a metropolis the size of a v...

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Vijzelstraat 32

€

free

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+31

202511511

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Oct 6, 2025

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