Amsterdam Museum, Amsterdam

No less than seven centuries of Amsterdam's history is displayed in the Amsterdams Historisch Museum: models, maps, paintings, archaeological findings, and other objects trace the growth of Amsterdam from a medieval town to a modern metropolis. You can see medieval shoes and the rainbow-colored umbrella of the Gay Games 1998. The Civic Guard Gallery is the only public museum street in the world and shows a selection of group portraits of Amsterdam militia groups. The museum is housed in the former public orphanage. You can buy the most beautiful souvenirs in the Amsterdam Gift Shop. There is also a library and a restaurant, where you can get a drink and something to eat.