Dungeon Amsterdam

About

Advertised as ‘bringing to life 500 years of the Dutch dark history’, the Amsterdam Dungeon attraction is a horror theater show. Walking through the Dungeon, you get to see short performances accompanied by sound, smell and light effects. Most of the show happens in almost complete darkness, with actors barely visible, so the main attraction is the thrill of the unknown, terrifying and old fashioned. Historical scenes like the Mediaeval torture, the Plague, Rembrandt workshop with the human corps vivisection or a journey on a Dutch 17th C. Far East Company sailing ship are arranged with just a few dusty elements. The main attraction is bilingual (English and Dutch) live acting and a few distinct horror show attractions as the mirror hall labyrinth or the fall ride into the darkness.

A historical location

The Amsterdam Dungeon attraction has been built in 2006, at the cost of 7,5 million euro inside a historical church, still owned by the Dutch Reformed Church and leased by the UK firm Merlin Entertainment, which specializes in attractions like Madame Tussauds Wax Museums and Legoland Parks.

Neo-gothic elements of the church architecture, dating from 1912 are still visible in some scenes of the show. Ironically, the church has been built on the spot where famous, recognized by Vatican Eucharistic Miracle of Amsterdam took place in 1345. To memorize this event, each year in the evening of March 15, the Catholic Silent Procession (Dutch: Stille Omgang) walks through the streets of Amsterdam.

Amsterdam Dungeon facilities

The Dungeon is accessible to handicapped on wheelchairs with the limit of one person on a wheelchair in a group of visitors. Electric wheelchairs are not allowed because of safety precautions. The Dungeon may organize birthday parties for kids. On some days, this possibility has been excluded. If interested, please contact the Dungeon. The Amsterdam Dungeon has a freely accessible Shop of Horrors with thrilling gadgets and memorabilia.

Amsterdam Dungeon visit

Thought out in the tradition of the classic ‘Pirates’ ride at Disneyland, the Amsterdam Dungeon was located in the very center of the city, in a very limited space for its show. Today, in the era of the 3D cinema, laser shows and computer generated effects the Dungeon theater show seems modest, almost home made. Nevertheless, we recommend it for older children and teenagers. The Dungeon’s professional actors are the main attraction. They are kind torturers; their work is marked by enthusiasm and black humor. If you are young, visiting Amsterdam Dungeon in a group of friends, you should have a good time.