Special Collections of the University of Amsterdam

AmsterdamNetherlands 52° N · 4° E Verified Apr 2026

The University of Amsterdam’s Special Collections, prominently housed within the historic Allard Pierson Museum, represent a remarkable cultural and academic…

View map
Special Collections of the University of Amsterdam

Introduction: The Significance of the University of Amsterdam Special Collections

The University of Amsterdam’s Special Collections, housed in the historic Allard Pierson Museum, offer an extraordinary gateway to 10,000 years of intellectual, archaeological, and cultural history. These collections bring together ancient Egyptian artifacts, classical sculptures, rare manuscripts, early printed books, historical maps, and the celebrated Bibliotheca Rosenthaliana—the largest Jewish library in Europe. This guide provides a comprehensive overview for scholars, tourists, and history enthusiasts, detailing visiting hours, ticketing information, accessibility, and highlights of the collections to help you make the most of your visit.

Founded in 1934 and named after the university’s first professor of Classical Archaeology, the Allard Pierson Museum has grown to become a center for interdisciplinary heritage. Today, the collections—curated under the stewardship of the Allard Pierson heritage center and UvA Erfgoed—span a broad spectrum of human experience, from ancient civilizations to Amsterdam’s publishing and Jewish cultural history. Visitors can access these treasures on-site, through the Reading Room, and online via digital platforms like CataloguePlus and Beeldbank.

For up-to-date information, planning resources, and digital access, visit the Allard Pierson website and the University of Amsterdam Special Collections portal.

Emblematic painting by Adriaen Pietersz. van de Venne featuring symbolic elements
An emblematic artwork painted by Adriaen Pietersz. van de Venne showcasing symbolic elements in a classical style
Emblematic artwork by Adriaen Pietersz. van de Venne featuring classical figures and symbolic elements
Detailed emblematic painting by Adriaen Pietersz. van de Venne depicting classical figures and various symbolic motifs, showcasing 17th-century artistic style.
Frontispiece artwork by Adriaen Pietersz van de Venne depicting anthropomorphic animals in a creative scene
Detailed frontispiece artwork by Adriaen Pietersz van de Venne featuring anthropomorphic animals in an imaginative and artistic composition
Last page of a handwritten letter from Albert Verwey to Isaäc Pieter de Vooys dated 30 September 1905
The last page of a handwritten letter from poet Albert Verwey addressed to Isaäc Pieter de Vooys, dated 30 September 1905, preserved in the Special Collections of Amsterdam University
Portrait of Christa-Maria Lerm Hayes
Close-up portrait photo of Christa-Maria Lerm Hayes, showcasing her smiling face and light-colored hair.
Cover of the book Phrygie by Emilie Haspels displayed at Allard Pierson Museum exhibit 2017
Exhibit display of the book Phrygie: exploration archéologique by Emilie Haspels at Allard Pierson Museum in 2017
Index card file used by Emilie Haspels at Allard Pierson Museum
Photograph of an index card file that belonged to Emilie Haspels, displayed in the Allard Pierson Museum showcasing her organized research method.
Geert ten Dam speaking at Editathon Bijzondere Collecties 2017
Geert ten Dam delivering a speech at the Editathon Bijzondere Collecties event in 2017
Geert ten Dam speaking at an editathon event in 2017
Geert ten Dam delivering a speech at the Bijzondere collecties editathon in 2017
Several volumes of the 18th century French encyclopedia Description des arts et métiers with some open on a table
Photo of the encyclopedia Description des arts et métiers used by Jacob Olie at his Amsterdam vocational school. The worn bookbindings show wear from a dog that slept against them, leading to their donation to the University of Amsterdam.
17th century painting of a man smoking tobacco pipe outdoors
Seventeenth century artwork depicting a man smoking a tobacco pipe, illustrating historical tobacco use practices
Page from a 15th-century manuscript with texts by Hendrik Seuse and Jan van Ruusbroec, containing vitae of saints and devotional writings
Page from a manuscript copied between 1481 and 1498 in the Sint-Andriesklooster, Maastricht, featuring texts by Hendrik Seuse, Jan van Ruusbroec, vitae of saints, and devotional texts. Held at the University Library of Amsterdam (ms. I G 12).

Historical Development of the Special Collections

The origins of the University of Amsterdam’s Special Collections trace back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when rare books, manuscripts, and artifacts were deposited by scholars and collectors (uvaerfgoed.nl). The establishment of the Allard Pierson Museum in 1934 marked a significant expansion, initially centered on archaeology but later embracing book history, cartography, Jewish culture, and graphic design (amsterdamtips.com). The museum moved to its current city-center location at Oude Turfmarkt in 1976. In 2019, the collections were unified under the Allard Pierson Collections, creating a seamless narrative from ancient Egypt to modern Amsterdam.

Institutional Structure and Governance

Managed by the Allard Pierson, the heritage center of the University of Amsterdam, the Special Collections are curated, preserved, and made accessible in partnership with UvA Erfgoed (internationalheritage.dutchculture.nl). CataloguePlus serves as the central cataloging platform, with increasing digitization efforts to broaden public access (uba.uva.nl).

Composition and Scope of the Collections

The Special Collections encompass:

  • Books and Manuscripts Rare and early printed books, illuminated manuscripts.
  • Maps and Prints Over 1,400 historical maps and graphic works (commons.wikimedia.org).
  • Archives and Personal Papers Documents from notable scholars and institutions.
  • Museum Objects Archaeological artifacts, coins, jewelry, statues, and casts from ancient civilizations including Egypt, Greece, Rome, and the Near East (amsterdamtips.com).
  • Specialized Collections Materials on Jewish heritage, church history, literature, zoology, and graphic design.

Researchers and visitors worldwide utilize these collections for study and public exhibitions (uvaerfgoed.nl).

Visiting the Allard Pierson Museum: Hours and Tickets

Hours

  • Museum Tuesday–Sunday, 11:00–17:00 (Closed Mondays and public holidays)
  • Reading Room Monday–Friday, 10:00–17:00 (Closed weekends)

Always check the official opening hours before your visit, as hours may vary during holidays or exam periods.

Tickets

  • General Admission €12
  • Reduced (students, seniors) €7
  • Children under 18 Free
  • Special Exhibitions Ticket prices may vary; consult the official website for details.

Admission to the Special Collections reading room is free but requires registration and a library card.

Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions

  • Address Oude Turfmarkt 127–129, 1012 GC Amsterdam
  • Public Transport Easily accessible via trams 4, 9, 14, 24 (Spui or Rokin stops); 10–15 minutes’ walk from Amsterdam Central Station (9292.nl)
  • Facilities Museum café, shop, guided tours, and accessible study spaces
  • Nearby Attractions Dam Square, the Royal Palace, Amsterdam Museum, Begijnhof, and Amsterdam Dungeon

Special Events, Guided Tours, and Photography

The Allard Pierson Museum regularly organizes temporary exhibitions, lectures, and workshops. Guided tours can be booked in advance and offer in-depth exploration of the collections. Photography is generally permitted in exhibition areas without flash—always check specific exhibit signage or inquire with staff.

Access and Digitization

Many items from the Special Collections are accessible online through CataloguePlus and the Beeldbank digital collections. Physical access to rare items is regulated; the Reading Room provides 40 study spaces for registered visitors (archives.uba.uva.nl). Advance reservations and valid ID or library card are required for access to non-circulating materials.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do I purchase tickets?
A: Tickets can be purchased online via the official website or at the museum entrance.

Q: Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, the building is fully accessible; contact the museum for specific needs.

Q: When is the best time to visit?
A: Weekday mornings are typically quieter; avoid public holidays for a more relaxed experience.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, guided tours can be booked in advance through the museum.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Photography without flash is generally allowed in public areas; check for restrictions.

Q: How do I access the Reading Room?
A: Register with a valid ID for a library card; some materials require advance reservation.

What to See and Do

Highlights:

  • Bibliotheca Rosenthaliana Europe’s largest Jewish library, with over 100,000 items in multiple languages.
  • Ancient Civilizations Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Near Eastern artifacts.
  • Historic Maps and Atlases Extensive cartographic collections and interactive GeoZone.
  • Book History Illuminated manuscripts, incunabula, and rare works reflecting Amsterdam’s publishing legacy.
  • Temporary Exhibitions Thematic displays on topics such as Jewish heritage, Dutch history, and the history of food.

Research and Study:
Pre-1850 printed works and other rare materials are catalogued in UvA CataloguePlus. Digital resources are widely available for remote research.

Visitor Tips

  • Always check opening hours and access policies, especially during exam periods or special events.
  • Bring valid identification for registration.
  • Use lockers for large bags; food and drink are not permitted in reading areas.
  • Respect handling guidelines for rare materials; photography may require staff permission.
  • Combine your visit with other nearby cultural attractions for a full day of discovery.

Facilities and Accessibility

  • Wheelchair access throughout the museum and reading room (certain historic areas may be limited).
  • Lockers for personal items.
  • Café and shop adjacent to the museum.
  • Staff assistance for visitors with disabilities—contact in advance for specific accommodations.

Special Events and Temporary Exhibitions

Check the events calendar for lectures, workshops, and themed exhibitions. Recent and upcoming highlights include interactive food history exhibits and displays celebrating Amsterdam’s creative legacy.

Visuals and Interactive Elements

Visitors can explore virtual tours, online galleries, and high-resolution images on the University of Amsterdam Special Collections website.

Next stop

3 min walk Begijnhof Read on →