Historic buildings in Amsterdam that are wheelchair-friendly
Amsterdam is a centuries-old Dutch city with stunning historic architecture. Its streets are lined with beautiful old buildings, quaint narrow entrances, and steep steps. While charming, this design often poses a challenge for people with reduced mobility. Regulations further limit the type of accessibility renovations permitted for listed buildings with heritage protection. Several older buildings in Amsterdam have, however, been adapted to the needs of wheelchair users. Below, you’ll find some of the best historic buildings in Amsterdam that are wheelchair-friendly.
Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is one of Amsterdam’s most celebrated attractions. The building dates back to 1885 and was designed by Dutch architect Pierre Cuypers. Here, you’ll find Rembrandt’s The Night Watch, Vermeer’s The Milkmaid, and a range of other world-renowned artworks and artefacts. Since opening its doors over 130 years ago, the Rijksmuseum has undergone several renovations, including new exhibition wings and a modernised interior.
The Rijksmuseum has spacious, threshold-free rooms. There are lifts to every floor and collection. Accessibility is well-signposted, including a floor plan outlining wheelchair-friendly features throughout the museum. There are ramps where needed and numerous wheelchair-friendly toilets. The Rijksmuseum even has a 'Changing Places' toilet — including a hoist and anadult changing table — for visitors with more complex needs.
Concertgebouw
The Royal Concertgebouw is the place in Amsterdam to enjoy live classical music. Each year, over 700,000 visitors attend performances by international orchestras, jazz musicians, pianists, violinists, and more. Built in 1886, the Concertgebouw has undergone numerous structural changes over the years to improve disability inclusion. Its renovations are proof that wheelchair accessibility can be implemented while still maintaining an authentic, classical interior.
Both concert halls at the Concertgebouw are wheelchair accessible. Several wheelchair spaces are available in each concert hall. To ensure these spaces are reserved for wheelchair users, wheelchair spaces are not shown on the standard website booking service. To book a wheelchair space, you must call the Concertgebouw in advance. The seat directly next to a wheelchair space is also kept free for a potential +1. The Concertgebouw has lifts, wheelchair signposting, and multiple wheelchair-friendly toilets.
Paradiso
Paradiso has hosted concerts by some of the biggest names in the international music scene. The building started as a place for the Vrije Gemeente religious organisation in 1880. From 1968 onwards, it became the pop temple Amsterdam knows and loves today. Paradiso’s performers range in musical genres from reggae, hip hop, and R&B to punk, indie rock, and folk music.
Paradiso has a (rather steep) ramp to the left of the main entrance. Inside, a key-operated lift takes you up to the main concert floors and down to the wheelchair-friendly toilet. Wheelchair users are given a lift key for the duration of their visit. This means the lift can be operated without a staff member's help. The ground level of the main concert hall is wheelchair accessible, as is the first balcony. However, the second balcony can only be accessed using a staircase.
Basilica of Saint Nicholas
The Basilica of Saint Nicholas is a magnificent church opposite Amsterdam Central Station. It was completed in 1887 and stands as a symbol of the Roman Catholic faith after centuries of religious prohibition. Inside are high ceilings, colourful stained glass windows, and ornate decorations. The Basilica of Saint Nicholas is an active church but is also open to the public.
The Basilica of Saint Nicholas has a staff-operated platform lift at the church entrance. The central aisle is wide enough for wheelchair users to pass through. Wheelchair users can also manoeuvre on either side of the pews. There is also a wheelchair-friendly toilet.
Royal Palace Amsterdam
The Royal Palace Amsterdam is hard to miss if you're at Dam Square. First built as a Town Hall in 1648, the building became the Royal Palace of Amsterdam in 1808. Fast forward a few hundred years, and the palace is still used for official state functions and celebrations. On other days, the Royal Palace of Amsterdam is usually open to the public.
Wheelchair users can enter the Royal Palace of Amsterdam via a long metal ramp next to the main entrance. Palace rooms and corridors are spacious and threshold-free. There are lifts to each floor. A wheelchair-friendly toilet is located on the ground floor of the building.
Josephine Rees is the founder of Able Amsterdam, a website about wheelchair-friendly places and activities in Amsterdam. For more information, follow Josephine on Instagram and check out the Able Amsterdam website.
