What does the past mean to you? At the Allard Pierson, in the heart of Amsterdam, the past comes to life through objects made, used and cherished by people across thousands of years. Here, cultural history is not distant or abstract, but something in which you can recognize yourself.
The museum houses one of Europe’s most precious historical and academic collections: the heritage collections of the University of Amsterdam. From the animal mummies of ancient Egypt and the decorated pottery of Greece to textiles preserved by the desert sand: these objects bring makers and users together. Here, you can explore the origins of writing, the world of Egyptian temples and gods, and the cultures of Greece and Rome. Come visit the museum and start your journey of discovery.
Temporary exhibitions
But the Allard Pierson doesn’t only present their grand archeology collection. Temporary exhibitions regularly highlight other heritage collections. Until 24 May 2026 you can visit Not My Soul. Slavery, Law and Freedom. In partnership with the National Slavery Museum, the Allard Pierson reveals hidden histories of dehumanization, exploitation and forced labour in objects from its archaeological and Surinamica collections, placing these stories at the centre. And until 1 March 2026 you can visit Glass, made in antiquity, where you can enjoy the beauty of ancient glass while learning about the remarkable craftmanship of the objects.
Cast gallery
The Allard Pierson owns nearly 300 casts of sculptures from antiquity, mainly copies from the Greek classical and Hellenistic periods. Many of these copies are based on Greek originals, sometimes through Roman versions having their own distinctive features. The revaluation of ancient sculptures in the 16th and 17th centuries, too, played a major role in the development of Western European art.
GeoZone
In the 17th and 18th centuries, Amsterdam was the centre for the production and trade of maps and atlases. The Allard Pierson manages a large and important collection of them. Reproductions of about a thousand maps can be found in the freely accessible GeoZone. Can you find your own hometown?
Eager to learn?
The University of Amsterdam has built its heritage collections over centuries, all available for consultation and research in the Reading Room. The Allard Pierson offers workshops, symposiums, collection tours, lectures and activities for children. The search portal gives access to catalogues and inventories.