Diamond Museum

The Diamond Museum in Amsterdam was founded in 2007 by Mr. Ben Meier of the Dutch company Coster Diamonds in order to educate people about the fascinating and mythical world of diamonds. It is the only one in Europe dedicated to this precious stone after the closure of the one in Antwerp, Belgium.

Mr Meier was a well-known diamond polisher, known for having worked on priceless gems such as those used for the watch of Her Majesty Queen Juliana of the Netherlands.

The manufacture and trade of diamonds in Amsterdam over the centuries developed thanks to the migratory flow into the city of many Jews, who, driven out from other countries of origin, reached Dutch territory free to continue their trade.

Visiting the Diamond Museum

A visit to the museum includes a cognitive journey from 3 billion years ago, 200 km below the earth’s surface and the study of the carbon atom, to an encounter with specialists who transform a rough stone into a sparkling jewel.

At the beginning of the tour of the diamond museum, an introductory video film is shown, in Dutch or English; afterwards the visitor is offered to learn how to distinguish between real diamonds and fakes.

Meier firmly believed that, in order to keep the quality of diamond workmanship high, he had to make the trade known to people, to make them enthusiastic about this wonderful world. In fact, an itinerary of technical knowledge is combined with an illustrative tour of how this stone has become a symbol of wealth and power over the centuries.

Today, the director of the diamond museum in Amsterdam is one of the leading experts in the field, who shares Meier’s vision of the importance of knowledge. The museum boasts more than 75,000 visitors a year, who are fascinated by the jewellery collection and this magical world.

Admission Tickets for the Diamond Museum

Admission to the Diamond Museum is chargeable and tickets can be purchased online. The ticket price varies depending on age and the type of ticket purchased: reduced for students up to 17 years, free under 12 years.

Free entry with Amsterdam cards

In addition, if you have purchased an Amsterdam city card, be it the I Amsterdam City Card or the Amsterdam GoCity Pass, you are entitled to free admission to the Diamond Museum.

How to get to the Diamond Museum

The Amsterdam Diamond Museum is open from Monday to Sunday, from 09.00 to 17.00. For those with an Amsterdam City Pass, entry is free.

It is located on Museumplein, within walking distance of the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. To get there by bus, take bus 145, 170 or 172 and get off at Hobemmastraat.