Hollandsche Schouwburg

Hollandsche Schouwburg is now the National Holocaust Memorial in Amsterdam (and included in the ticket for the Jewish Cultural Quarter of Amsterdam).
The Memorial is incredibly interesting and informative (although not terribly friendly for English-​only speakers). Until 1940, the Hollandsche Schouwburg was a popular theater. In 1941, Nazi occupiers of Amsterdam changed the theater’s name to Joodsche Schouwburg or the Jewish Theater and allowed only Jewish actors and artists to perform there for Jewish audiences. Between 1942 and 1943, the theater was used to house Jews prior to their deportation to camps.
Along with the Portuguese Synagogue, this was one of the most interesting and informative museums and memorials we visited during our time in Amsterdam!

Don’t miss this fantastic, moving spot as you make your way through Amsterdam. Admission is free with your ticket to the Jewish History Museum, so you have no excuse — and the deportation center is only a few blocks away.
Once you’ve arrived, you can head upstairs to view the photography exhibition, to the left to view the wall of names, or outside… be sure to do all three. Upstairs, you can pick up an informational card which guides you through the many photographs on the wall. These depict Jews in Amsterdam during the WWII years, and you’ll probably be surprised by how moving some of the everyday photos are. Take your time and stroll around — the space isn’t big, but there is a lot to take in.
Then, head back downstairs and over to the wall. Into the wall has been carved the names of the families who were herded to this deportation center, and from there, to the concentration camps. You can also view a video presentation in this area.
Finally, head outside, into the yard. Just stand, take it in, and think. This space used to be a Jewish theater, but was stolen by the Nazis and transformed into the transportation center. Just imagine that you are standing in the same place as so many innocent people were, before they were sent off to be murdered. Read the notes on the walls, many left by local schoolchildren. Again, just stand. Think. Reflect. And then tell someone else what they’re missing, as this is a smaller place that definitely doesn’t see the traffic that other museums do. After you’ve visited, you’ll know that it’s very much worth your time.