The New Church

This was a unique find. We wanted to go in the church so we paid money and found our selves walking up a cool internal part of the church then we found our selves on scaffolding outside the church. There are lots of stairs and you get right up close to all the parts of the church you would never be able to see. The sun dial is way cool but the view on top give you a great view of Amsterdam. We did not pay to see the museum inside the church since it was more modern.

Wonderful 15th century gothic styled church next to the Royal Palace. Once a Catholic Church, was then transformed into a Dutch Reformed church. No longer used for church services, but rather as an exhibition spaces or for special royal events. There was an exhibition of the history of Judaism in Amsterdam. Free entrance with the I Amsterdam card.

Thank you to the wonderful stuff of Nieuwe Kerk for accommodating my torn ACL and letting me take the workman's elevator to the top of the Church. First time is 750 years they have let peasants like me go to the top! If there is anyway you can make it over to Amsterdam make sure to come here to experience this incredible view. You will be very happy you did!

I visited the Nieuwe Kerk for the Mokum exhibition (on the Jewish history of Amsterdam) on a dull December afternoon. There were few visitors and the church was almost empty. A brief spell of sunlight shining through the tall windows brought about a unique atmosphere. I will continue to remember the Thorah rimonim (pomegranate ornaments) modelled on the Westerkerk (one of the first purpose-built reformed churches in Amsterdam!) tower which for me summed up how much the (initially Sephardic and later Ashkenazy) refugee Jewish community found a home in Mokum - until the awful events of 1940-45. Another very interesting object is a Haggadah in which 'next year in Jerusalem' has been changed to 'next year in Amsterdam', powerfully illustrating the same mindset.

Till 2th of november 2025 you can go on the roof of the church, from there you have a great view on the city, enjoy, you have ro take the stairs, a lift is available but only on request and aheas

Amsterdam’s New Church may be newer than the Old one, but it’s still over 600 years old. I haven’t been inside yet, so I can’t say what it’s like - but outside, to mark Amsterdam’s 750th anniversary (and thanks to the restoration of the central tower), they’ve opened access to the roof. The viewing platform, right in the heart of the city, is absolutely worth conquering your fear of heights - and parting with €15. Entry is free with a Museumkaart. You need to book a time slot in advance.

The church is a symbol of Amsterdam’s rising power and spatial expansion in the late Middle Ages. Today, it serves as a national ceremonial site as well as a cultural venue for major exhibitions and concerts. Construction began in 1408, and the church was consecrated in 1409. It suffered from major fires in 1421, 1452, and 1645, after which it was repeatedly rebuilt. The current structure reflects a blend of Late Gothic and Neo-Gothic elements, with a major renovation carried out between 1892 and 1914. Originally a Roman Catholic church, it was converted to Protestant use in 1578. Since the inauguration of King William I in 1814, it has been the site of royal coronations and state weddings, including the 2013 inauguration of King Willem-Alexander. The church is is also the final resting place of several prominent Dutch figures. Among them are the celebrated poet Joost van den Vondel and the famed 17th-century naval admiral Michiel Adriaenszoon de Ruyter. The church also houses the Netherlands’ largest pipe organ, a richly carved pulpit, and a brass choir screen.

We did the roof of Amsterdam tour. If you have not make sure you do. Great view from above. Bags need to be kept in free lockers.