Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions about your visit, (online) tickets, exhibitions, the public program and the (history) of the Oude Kerk.

Admission tickets & free audio tour
Tickets are available both online and at the box office. With an admission ticket you have access to the contemporary art exhibitions, currently on view in the church hall, as well as the historic side rooms with archival presentation. The free audio tour (available in Dutch, English, German, French, Spanish and Italian) takes you through the history, architecture and highlights of the Oude Kerk.

Accessibility


We would like everyone to be able to visit the Old Church in a pleasant way. Unfortunately, our historic building is not fully wheelchair accessible. You can always bring a companion along free of charge. For detailed information, you can also visit IAmsterdam's page on accessibility in Amsterdam. The Oude Kerk has a toilet for people with disabilities. Assistance dogs are welcome in the Oude Kerk. Please keep your dog on a leash.

Parking & accessibility
The easiest way to get to the Oude Kerk is by public transportation or on foot. The Oude Kerk is an 8-minute walk from Central Station. The exit stop for public transport is stop 'Dam square'. The neighborhood is difficult to access by car, so we recommend you come by public transportation. Plan your route to the Oude Kerk via Google Maps or via 9292 public transport.



The Q-Park parking garage entrance is at Beursplein 15, next to the Bijenkorf department store. Paid parking applies throughout the city centre.

No events venue
The Oude Kerk features its own art and music programming. We are not an events venue and do not offer venue rentals for weddings, receptions, photoshoots, or funerals.

Oudekerkgemeente - External Organisation
The Oude Kerk makes its building available on Sunday morning and evening for the activities of the Oudekerkgemeente. The church community organises a weekly church service on Sunday morning at 11:00 and a vesper on Sunday evening at 18:00. The church community is part of the Protestant Church Amsterdam (PKA). For more information about the Oudekerkgemeente or to
get in touch, please look here.

Access church tower (temporarily closed)

The Oudekerkstoren is the tower of the Oude Kerk in Amsterdam, with Amsterdam's oldest masonry. The Oudekerkstoren is not included in an entrance ticket to the Oude Kerk, but can be visited separately with a guided tour (now temporarily closed). The tower features a carillon cast by the Hemony foundry in the year 1858. Carillon concerts take place every Tuesday and Saturday at 4 p.m. and can be heard outside (free of charge). The Oudekerktoren is not accessible to wheelchair users. Climbing the tower is at your own risk.

Restorations in the Oude Kerk
This spring is also marked by care for the building. Scaffolding has been erected in the east facade of the Lady Chapel to repair damage to the walls and stained glass windows. Read more about the history of the windows and the restoration process here.

Exhibitions, organ concerts and public program

Each year, the Oude Kerk presents two major exhibitions and an extensive in-depth public program. Around the church space are special historical period rooms with objects from our archives. 



When do organ concerts take place?

Since 2016, the Oude Kerk has programmed the Silence concert series on monthly early Friday mornings (summer months excluded). Progressive musicians are invited to create an electronic-sonic work for the Oude Kerk. In addition, the Oude Kerk programs the Monuments concert series, which focuses on tradition and innovation in organ culture. Check here for the full program, current concert dates and times, and ticket reservations.

Are there children’s activities at the Oude Kerk?

At the Oude Kerk there is a free 'detective sheet' available (Dutch and English) for children aged 4-12. Together with 'Dapper', you'll search for his dog Flip, who is lost in the church. Along the way, you'll learn about the many special Amsterdam people buried here and the stained glass windows with coats of arms of the city's mayors.

Education/school groups/tours

The Oude Kerk develops educational offerings for young and old. Walk through Amsterdam's oldest building with a tour guide or museum docent and choose one of the tours here that suits you.

Oude Kerk Silence 45 high res 26 photo Maarten Nauw