The rich collection of works of art, objects and archaeological finds brings to life the fortunes of Amsterdammers of days gone by and today. From a mediaeval child's shoe and the map of Cornelis Antonisz from 1538, giving a bird's-eye view of the city, to the impressive Civic Guard paintings from the Golden Age. Photos and film material show the happy times as well as the drama of the modern city's inhabitants. You'll witness the poverty in the Jordaan area he 19th century but also the idealism of the sixties and Ajax's success at football. A lively, international city like Amsterdam deserves an exciting museum. So the most modern forms of multimedia are used. Discover the surprising objects that make the past seem real. One moment you'll be hoisting a horse out of the canal, the next you'll be in one of the white cars of the 1970's. Or ring the doorbell of one of the flats in the Bijlmer, in the southeast of the city, and hear all about how great it is to live there. The museum has something for everyone. There's a Grand Tour for those with plenty of time or, if you're in a hurry, follow the highlighttour of the museum. The Amsterdam Historical Museum reflects the tolerance, enterprising spirit and individuality of a city that for centuries has attracted people from the four corners of the earth. The Antwerp merchants and the Sephardic Jews in the 17th century, the farmers from Friesland in the north of the country and rabant in the south in the 19th century, and the workers from the Mediterranean countries in the 20th century - they've all ontributed to the story of a unique international city. In the Amsterdam Historical Museum you'll share their experiences.