The New Church

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

I visited Amsterdam’s New Church hoping to soak in some history, but instead got a masterclass in confusion. The World Press Photo 2025 exhibition had taken over most of the space, so the historic interiors were mostly hidden behind partitions—an unfortunate choice, in my opinion, for such a landmark. The entrance added insult to injury. Signs directed us to Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal, but the actual entrance is on Mozes en Aäronstraat. To make things more entertaining (if frustrating counts as entertainment), the organizers had a sign saying visitors must pay—yet I was informed at the counter that I Amsterdam City Card holders can visit the main floor for free, and only the rooftop, run by a separate company, requires payment. Clear as mud. All told, I spent 15 minutes here. If you’re coming for the church itself, plan on patience—and maybe a bit of luck. Worth it? Not quite.