| The rich and varied history of Amsterdam occupies a | | | | The Governors' room where the governors or regents |
| former children's home built in the 17th century. The | | | | held their meetings from 1634 until 1960 still exists and |
| focus is largely on the 17th century and the trades that | | | | is open to the public. During the museum's renovation in |
| made Amsterdam the richest city in the world at the | | | | the 1960s the room was refurbished in order to |
| height of its Golden Age. The original children's home | | | | re-create a classical 17th-century atmosphere. The |
| on the site dated from 1579, part of St Lucy's Convent, | | | | splendid painted ceiling was also fully restored. |
| and was demolished when the current orphanage | | | | Prominent group portraits have hung here since the |
| building was constructed in the 17th century. The | | | | 17th century. There is also a fine collection of |
| building had been in use as a home for children until the | | | | engravings. Special exhibitions are held periodically |
| 20th century. In 1975 the Amsterdam Historisch | | | | throughout the year. |
| Museum moved into the premises. Paintings by | | | | The growth of the city from the period 1000 to 2000 is |
| well-known Dutch artists, including Rembrandt, portray | | | | explained by interesting map and video displays. The |
| the history of Amsterdam, including an interesting | | | | museum houses collections from the 1400s to the |
| display of 14 portraits of the Civic Guard protected by | | | | present day, some of which are on loan from the Rijks |
| a glass enclosure. The entire collection of paintings | | | | Museum. The history of Amsterdam is also |
| spans several centuries, styles and historical periods. | | | | imaginatively reconstructed through the museum's |
| The original carillon bells that once hung in the Munt | | | | excellent collections which include, among others: |
| Tower are also displayed here, as are suits of armour | | | | Pilgrims' tokens, silver artifacts, glassware, jewelery, |
| and old maps of the world, dating back to the early | | | | clothing and shoes, ship and shipbuilding models, |
| period of exploration. Over the entrance gate, off | | | | porcelain, statues and other items belonging to the |
| Kalverstraat. is a carving of orphan boys. | | | | city's residents over the past six centuries. |