10 Museums in Amsterdam For Art, History & Dutch Culture
If you don’t think of Amsterdam as a great destination for visiting museums, you’re doing yourself a disservice. What started as a small fishing village around the year 1200 has now become one of Europe’s most visited cities and for a good reason. As the home of wealthy Dutch merchants, the city is filled with gorgeous architecture and museums with priceless art.
As far as museums in Amsterdam go, there is plenty to choose from. With every visit, I try to stop by a few of them. Unless you plan on visiting Amsterdam for an extended time, you won’t be able to see them all in one go. But on the other hand, it gives you more reasons to return to Amsterdam in the future. Here are my top 10 museums to check out during your visit, especially if you love art and history.
Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is Amsterdam’s most renowned museum and probably the most iconic. Here, you can get your fill of centuries of Dutch history and explore over a million artworks. Opened in 1885, it houses an impressive collection of Dutch Masters like Rembrandt and Vermeer. You can also see works by Flemish and Italian artists, Asiatic art, and more modern pieces. I recommend reserving enough time to see these and other iconic works in the museum’s vast permanent collection.
Don’t miss Rembrandt’s The Night Watch, Verneer’s The Milkmaid and Van Gogh’s self-portraits. The museum itself has impressive architecture, and you can admire it once you are inside. From staircases, glass windows and courtyards, there is plenty to admire. Also worth checking out is the sweet-looking Rijksmuseum Research Library and the area outside of the museum.
PRO TIP: Get your Amsterdam City Card for museums and attractions in Amsterdam
Van Gogh Museum
I have been a huge Van Gogh fan since I first learned about Vincent in my high school art class. I found his story to be very tragic. His life, filled with sadness and emotional turmoil, was also inspirational. I have always felt drawn to his work and have been fortunate to see a few Van Gogh paintings.
The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is dedicated to the work of Vincent van Gogh. It holds the largest collection of his paintings, drawings and letters. The floors are devoted to different periods of his life, and the displays guide you chronologically through his life story, from his early sketches to his most iconic works. If you are a fan of the post-impressionist movement and Van Gogh, this is the place for you. There is also a small gift shop where you can buy replicas of your favourite Van Gogh prints. Buy your tickets before you go!
Het Grachtenhuis (Museum of the Canals)
Het Grachtenhuis Museum focuses on the history of Amsterdam’s canal houses. Here, a multimedia presentation explains how the city’s canal system took shape over the years. I enjoy learning about the planning that went into creating the heart of Amsterdam. Each room reveals something new about the city’s growth and architectural style.
This house museum also shows how these canals became a UNESCO World Heritage site. I suggest getting an audio guide because it offers deeper stories about the waterways and how they influence trade. The museum’s interactive exhibition will help you picture life on the canals in the past and today. It’s a must-see for anyone curious about Amsterdam’s design.
Museum Van Loon
Museum Van Loon is the former home of a wealthy Van Loon family who co-founded the Dutch East India Company. One of the first things you learn about the houses in Amsterdam is that the land taxes were based on the width of the building. Hence the reason many of them are narrow. But, when you walk into the Van Loon house, you’ll notice the wide entryway and foyer. It’s a dead giveaway that they didn’t have to worry about taxes.
This was one of my favourite finds in the city. This Amsterdam museum is a great way to glimpse what life looked like for wealthy merchants. There is a coach house and a large garden, and each room is grander than the one before. The art and furnishings inside reflect various subjects, from family portraits to elegant tableware. I definitely recommend visiting as it’s one of my top museums in Amsterdam.
Tulip Museum
I think the Tulip Museum is a hidden gem and definitely worth seeing if you want to learn about the Dutch love affair with tulips. The museum explains how tulips came to the Dutch capital from faraway places and influenced trade here. Don’t miss the Tulip Mania exhibit that explores the Dutch Golden Age. The rise and subsequent crash of the tulip bulb trade market is a fascinating story that will have you looking at tulips differently.
I recommend watching the Tulip Fever movie if you’re interested in historical romance/drama movies. The museum also has a small gift shop where you can buy tulip bulbs. This way, you can bring this iconic Dutch symbol home with you.
Stedelijk Museum
The Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam is home to modern and contemporary art. The museum is conveniently located on Museum Square and houses an impressive collection of contemporary artists. Here, you’ll find modern art, street art, and photography by international and Dutch artists.
If you’re interested in modern trends, this place never disappoints. The exhibition spaces are designed to make contemporary art accessible and exciting. Whether you’re an art expert or a casual visitor, the Stedelijk offers something to spark your imagination and challenge your view of art.
The Anne Frank House (Anne Frank Huis)
The Anne Frank House is one of the most famous museums in Amsterdam and the third most visited. The house where Anne and her family hid during World War II from the Nazis houses the personal objects of those who hid there and her diary. You can visit the hidden annex where she and her family hid during the war. The museum tells her story through personal artifacts, photographs and Anne’s own words.
This museum offers a profoundly moving experience that connects visitors to an important part of human history. Audio guides and interactive exhibits help you understand the context of Anne’s life and the impact of her diary. It’s a must-visit for anyone wanting to learn about resilience and the human spirit.
Rembrandt House Museum
Step into the world of Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn at his restored home and studio in the heart of Amsterdam. The Rembrandt Museum is where the famous painter lived, worked, and created some of his best-known works. You’ll see recreations of his studio and learn about his artistic techniques.
The museum offers live demonstrations of painting and printmaking techniques from Rembrandt’s time. You’ll see how artists worked in the 17th century and gain a deeper understanding of Rembrandt’s artistic process. The collection includes many of his famous works, including prints and drawings.
Tropenmuseum
The Tropenmuseum offers a window into cultures from around the world, with vibrant exhibits covering music, fashion and daily life. This museum focuses on global cultures, showcasing artifacts and stories from different continents. You’ll explore exhibitions that highlight cultural diversity and human connections.
Interactive exhibits make learning about world cultures engaging and fun. The museum goes beyond traditional displays, using multimedia and personal stories to bring different cultures to life. It’s a great place to learn about global traditions, art and human experiences.
Royal Palace on the Dam
The Royal Palace is a stunning example of Dutch architecture. This grand building in the city centre was once the city hall and later became a royal residence. Here, you can explore years of Dutch history and its royals as you wander through rooms decorated with elaborate furniture and artwork.
You can take guided tours through the palace’s most important spaces and learn stories of Dutch royalty and political history. The building’s architecture alone is worth the visit, with its grand halls and historic details. It’s a chance to see how Dutch royalty lived and worked.
H’ART Museum (Formerly Hermitage Museum)
H’ART Museum offers rotating temporary exhibitions that bring world-class art to Amsterdam. Housed in a beautiful building along the Amstel River, the museum is home to art from different periods and cultures. It’s the perfect place for art lovers who want to see something different.
Whether you’re interested in classical or contemporary art, H’ART Museum provides a rich and engaging experience. The museum’s carefully curated exhibitions change regularly, so check the online schedule before you visit. If you want variety, this museum is a solid choice.
Heineken Experience
The Heineken Experience isn’t a traditional museum. It’s an interactive journey through beer history and it’s a blast. Located in the original Heineken brewery, the experience takes you through the brewing process.
You’ll see how beer is made, learn about Heineken’s history, and even get a chance to taste the beer. There are also exhibits about the Heineken brand and how it became a household name. If you need a break from traditional art museums in Amsterdam, this place hits the spot.
Moco Museum
Moco Museum specializes in modern and contemporary art with a playful twist. It is located near the famous Museum Square and features works by street artists and pop art icons. You’ll see pieces by artists like Banksy and Andy Warhol that challenge traditional art ideas.
The building itself is a classic canal house, and the museum offers a fresh, irreverent take on contemporary art. Interactive exhibits and unique displays make art accessible and exciting. For anyone who craves bold and creative art, Moco is a must-see.
Final thoughts on museums in Amsterdam
I love Amsterdam for many different reasons. There is no denying that it’s a city with a treasure trove of museums that can make the biggest art aficionado weep with joy. The museums in Amsterdam offer spectacular collections of Dutch masters that will make you appreciate them even more.
Depending on when you visit, I recommend booking your tickets ahead of time. You might have to reserve your time slot in advance during the busy season. If you plan on visiting a few museums in Amsterdam, I recommend getting the Amsterdam city card to access over 70 museums and attractions. You also get access to public transit and a canal cruise (a must-do experience).
