The AEX Experience in Amsterdam: opening the doors to the world of investing
Students can step into the world of investing through the AEX Experience, where financial education, market history and interactive learning come together inside Amsterdam’s historic stock exchange.
Located in Euronext Amsterdam's iconic Beursplein 5 building, the AEX Experience welcomes secondary school, higher education and other student groups for a hands-on introduction to financial markets. From exploring the famous trading floor and museum to taking part in a collaborative investment simulation, visitors experience how capital markets have evolved - and how they shape the economy today.
A historic commitment to financial education
The AEX Experience was created in 2014 to mark the 100th anniversary of Beursplein 5.
Developed through a partnership between Stichting Capital Amsterdam and Euronext Amsterdam, it was designed to promote financial education and help young people understand the role of the stock exchange in society.
Following its temporary closure during the COVID-19 pandemic, the programme has evolved with an updated educational approach centred on financial literacy, complemented by interactive digital tools and a team-based investing experience. Today, the AEX Experience is welcoming school groups and offers guided visits designed to make finance accessible, engaging and relevant. The programme is available in Dutch and English, broadening its accessibility.
Bridging theory and practice
At the heart of the AEX Experience, students dive into engaging educational videos on topics such as ETFs, profit and loss, diversification, risk and the growing relevance of sustainability. Throughout the tour, they answer questions, collaborate in teams, earn virtual budgets and make investment decisions based on fictional but realistic news scenarios. It is an engaging way to bridge theory with practice, allowing students to learn about investing and immediately put that knowledge into action.
This game-based format encourages teamwork, critical thinking and practical decision-making. As students choose whether to buy, sell or hold stocks in response to simulated global and national events, they learn how financial theory connects to real-world outcomes.
A look inside the exchange
Beyond the investing game, students are given the rare opportunity to explore the world’s oldest stock exchange. The AEX Experience includes a guided tour of Beursplein 5’s historic building and trading floor, as well as access to the museum, which chronicles the evolution of financial markets in the Netherlands from the early days of commodity trading to the modern global economy.
By examining real-world examples of the Dutch blue-chip companies represented in the AEX Index® and Amsterdam’s historic role in global finance, students develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of how markets influence the world around them.
“The AEX Experience reflects our commitment to shaping capital markets for future generations,” says René van Vlerken, CEO of Euronext Amsterdam. “Financial literacy is essential to enable savers, investors, pensioners and young people to make informed decisions about their future, especially under the new Dutch pension system. As the leading European market infrastructure, we have a societal responsibility to equip people with the knowledge and tools they need to participate in an increasingly complex financial landscape. By opening our doors to students, we are making financial education more accessible, engaging and relevant, while helping young people understand the vital role markets play in society.”
An experience for both students and educators
The programme has been tailored with educators in mind. Suitable for students aged 15 and older, it combines storytelling, gamification and teamwork to demystify complex financial concepts. Teachers also receive supplementary learning materials including lesson plans and classroom resources to help prepare students before their visit and extend learning afterwards through other initiatives developed by Euronext’s partner, the Amsterdam Capital Foundation. These include Beleggeruitlegger, a platform offering educational packages for teachers, and the annual Scholenstrijd, a virtual trading competition for students.
Schools interested in giving students a unique, immersive introduction to investing and financial markets can discover more and register for the AEX Experience on the dedicated page.
