Torture Museum Tours and Tickets

Tickets for the Torture Museum currently cost €9.50 for adults and children aged 12 and under enter for €5. Guided tours can be arranged for private groups, starting at €60 for 6–15 people (visits for smaller groups can be organized on request).

Located right in the center of Amsterdam, the Torture Museum is known for its collection of over 40 torture tools and devices. All the artifacts date back to the Middle Ages. The museum features helpful engravings to illustrate exactly how each instrument was used, and information is available in eight languages.

The best weather windows for visiting Amsterdam are spring and fall, when the days are mild. However, since the Torture Museum is an indoor activity, it is a great option in the winter months. Just avoid the summer when the city is thronged with crowds, as the museum is small and fills up quickly.

That depends. While the museum has no age restrictions, younger children might find the materials distressing. Expect to see a guillotine and medieval finger crushes, plus dozens of other torture devices. The rooms are kept dark, and the museum has a spooky vibe: If that’s not your family’s thing, give this one a miss.

The Torture Museum is open daily from 10am until 11pm. For the quietest experience, consider coming right after the opening time. Or, take advantage of the late hours and visit at night, when the torture devices seem extra creepy. Luckily, you’ll find many bars around if you need a stiff drink after your visit.

The museum is very compact, so you can expect to be in and out in 30 minutes, unless you’re reading every word of the explanations for each torture device. At most, allocate around 45 minutes. You’ll find plenty of attractions nearby, including the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum.