Visit the Royal Palace on Dam Square during the May holidays – with a unique WWII tour on May 5

Are you in Amsterdam this May holiday and looking for a special outing? Then be sure to put the Royal Palace Amsterdam on your list. The free guided tours on May 5th are especially unique, but make sure to reserve tickets on time. How and why? You can read all about it here!

Tip for May 5: the guided tour 'Palace during WWII'

Did you know that the Royal Palace on Dam Square wasn't confiscated by the Germans during World War II? In fact, it played a crucial role as a safe house. During the special guided tours on May 5th, you'll discover this hidden story – from sandbags and resistance actions to secret art bunkers in the dunes. Read here what exactly you can expect during your visit on May 5 >>

The free guided tours take place at 11:30 AM, 13:00 PM, 14:15 PM, and 15:30 PM and are accessible upon presentation of an entrance ticket, museum card, or city pass.
Due to limited spaces, booking in advance is recommended. Tickets are limited, and you can book your spot directly here: Reserve your spot via this link >>

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© Royal Palace on Dam Square

The Palace in Wartime – a story you (probably) didn't know yet

Behind the royal façade lies a fascinating piece of history. Thanks to palace supervisor Adriaan Perfors, every effort was made to protect the heritage during World War II:

• Sandbags were placed around the building.
• Ceiling paintings from the Citizens' Hall were removed and stored.
• Works of art were moved to bunkers in the dunes.
• Marble statues were packed in sandbags and thus secured.
• Valuable objects such as the silverware and the throne of William I were even hidden behind a newly built wall.

During the war, Perfors and his family lived in the Palace, first in a seventeenth-century torture chamber, later in the intendant's residence. After the liberation, Perfors was also the one who – under dangerous circumstances – raised an orange flag on Dam Square.

These are the stories you'll hear during the tour on May 5th. Believe me: you'll never look at the Palace the same way again.

Also fun: free Amsterdam tour with Ommetje met Tom

Prefer something you can do at your own pace during the May holidays? Then the free Amsterdam Tour is highly recommended. An audio tour by Ommetje met Tom will give you all sorts of fun facts about the Palace and the city of Amsterdam. This audio tour was created especially for the Amsterdam 750 anniversary year.

Useful information at a glance

• Special WWII tours: May 5 – at 11:30 AM, 13:00 PM, 14:15 PM, and 15:30 PM. Book the tours on May 5 here >>
• Access to the guided tours: Free with entrance ticket, museum card or city pass

Please note: Reservations are required due to limited seating.

More information about May 5 at the Palace

Whether you're coming for the history, the impressive Citizens' Hall, or the unique opportunity to see the Royal Palace on Dam Square from the inside, this May holiday is the perfect time. And what's more: kids always get in free!

And if you have nothing to do on May 5th, the unique WWII tours are highly recommended.

Book tickets

Liberation, May 1945, Amsterdam City Archives ANWX00519000022 © Royal Palace on Dam Square