Art with your eyes and heart: museums for deaf and hard of hearing visitors in Amsterdam

Fabrique des Lumières

At Fabrique des Lumières in Westergasfabriek, art experiences come to life through impressive projections of both classic and modern artworks. The focus here is on visual effects, where technology and art come together to take you into the story of each artwork in a unique way. The use of light, colour and movement creates an art experience you won't soon forget. Highly recommended for lovers of visual art! 

Museum Het Schip

Museum Het Schip, dedicated to the Amsterdam School architectural movement and the history of public housing, offers an inclusive experience for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. The museum uses text boards at the permanent and temporary exhibitions. In the auditorium, you can watch the introductory film with subtitles. In addition, the museum team is happy to help you think of additional adaptations that can enhance the experience even further. Highly recommended for those interested in urban development and architecture! 

Resistance Museum

The Verzetsmuseum (Resistance Museum) tells the story of the resistance during World War II and offers a wide range of accessible facilities where everything has been thought of. For people who are deaf or hard of hearing, guided tours and personal stories are available in Dutch Sign Language (NGT), with subtitles for videos and films with a deaf narrator. In addition, you can use an audio tour, loop or video tour on your own device. It is even possible to request a sign language interpreter.  

Amsterdam Museum

The Amsterdam Museum on the Amstel brings the city's history to life, from ancient stories to modern themes such as diversity. Guided tours in sign language are available for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, and there is the possibility of using a sign language interpreter. This keeps Amsterdam's rich history accessible to everyone. 

Stedelijk Museum

The Stedelijk Museum, known for its modern and contemporary art, offers a unique experience for people who are deaf and hard of hearing. Since 2016, the museum has organised tours in Dutch Sign Language, provided by a guide who is deaf himself, so visitors can explore the collection in their own language. Once a month there is a ‘Stedelijk in Signs’ tour, and a video tour in Dutch Sign Language (NGT) is available. For art lovers, this is a great and accessible way to experience the collections. 

Wereldmuseum

The Wereldmuseum displays art and objects from different cultures and eras. For people who are deaf or hard of hearing, the museum offers programmes in Dutch Sign Language and International Sign. The exhibitions feature QR codes that lead to films in sign language. Museum staff are trained in dealing with special education, making art and world culture accessible to all. 

Grachtenmuseum

The Grachtenmuseum (Museum of the Canals) provides a unique perspective on the history of Amsterdam’s canals. A paper script of the audio tour is available for people with an auditory impairment and is available free of charge at the reception. Companions or sign language interpreters can enter free of charge. An extra fun fact: the museum is fast becoming the most wheelchair-friendly museum in the city centre! 

Written by Jil Robbers - Director at The Special Social Club Foundation, who works hard to create a society where everyone can participate.