The city of Amsterdam is known for its relaxed atmosphere. It's often compared to Venice because of its canals and is familiar with the ups and downs of everyday life. With a history dating back to the early 14th century, Amsterdam has experienced various rulers like the Spanish, French, and English. It also witnessed prosperous periods like the Golden Age. This rich history is reflected in the city's numerous museums, totaling more than 75. These include the Photography Museum, FOAM, by the canals, and the grand Rijksmuseum. Here are our top 11 museum picks in Amsterdam.
5 Must-See Works of Art in Amsterdam
Famous for its canals and brothels, Amsterdam is also a city with a rich history and a glorious cultural heritage. The museums in Amsterdam bear testimony to the rich and sometimes dark past of this city. Here are some of the must-see artifacts in Amsterdam that can be found inside some of its most famous museums.
1Rembrandt Van Rijn’s ‘Night Watch’
One of the most famous works of Rembrandt Van Rijn is the ‘Night Watch.’ This phenomenal painting by the world-famous artist is the pride of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and can be seen in this famous museum in the city. Rembrandt’s ‘Night Watch’ is the first painting to depict the entire militia in action. The painting shows a captain giving his lieutenant orders to march the company of the soldiers. Known for the vivid use of colours and the stunning lighting, this masterpiece by Rembrandt cannot be missed.
2Cuypers Library
Located in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, the Cuypers library is the largest and oldest of all art historical libraries in the Netherlands. Be it students, visitors or art historians-everyone is welcome at the Cuypers Library. You can spend time in the Cuypers Library to delve deeper into the amazing collections and art masterpieces housed in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. iPads are available for general use and the Library also provides free wifi-two things which actually encourage visitors to spend some time in the largest library in the Netherlands.
3Vincent Van Gogh’s ‘The Harvest’
One of Vincent Van Gogh’s most famous masterpieces, ‘The Harvest’ can be seen at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. The painting is a flat landscape around Arles in the South of France. The period during which Van Gogh painted ‘The Harvest’ is considered to be one of the most productive periods of Van Gogh’s life. During this time, Van Gogh completed ten paintings and five drawings within one week! Through this painting, Van Gogh wanted to show peasant life and work on the land. Van Gogh himself considered ‘The Harvest’ to be one of his most successful paintings.
4Vincent Van Gogh’s ‘Sunflowers in Arles’
Another masterpieces by Van Gogh is his ‘Sunflowers in Arles’ painting. Located in the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam, this painting is one of the must-see artworks in the city of Amsterdam. The artist created this painting while he was in Arles in the South of France. Van Gogh created five large canvases with sunflowers in a vase and what makes all these canvases stand out is the use of only three shades of yellow and ‘nothing else.’ Through these paintings, Van Gogh proved that one could create one image by using innumerable variations of a single color.
5The Hinged Bookcase
The Hinged Bookcase is one of the most important things to see in the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam. Created by Johan Voskuijl in August 1942, the Hinged Bookcase concealed the entrance to the Secret Annex-the hiding place of the Frank family and others that was kept secret until 4th August 1944. The bookcase has been a part of the Anne Frank House since it opened to the public in 1960. While visiting the Anne Frank House, you can actually enter the Secret Annex through the narrow opening past the moveable bookcase.
11 Best Museums in Amsterdam
The Rijksmuseum started in 1800 to share art and history, later moving to Amsterdam in 1808. Initially, it had mostly paintings and historical items. Now, it has famous European and international art. One prized possession is Rembrandt's Night Watch. You'll also see works by Vermeer, van Dyck, and Jan Steen. The museum has photos, prints, drawings, and old objects. Get the audioguide for your tour.
Rijskmuseum Highlights
- Rembrandt Van Rijn’s ‘Night Watch’
- Johannes Vermeer’s ‘The Milkmaid’
- The Gardens, Cuypers Library
- three antique dolls houses
Recommended Rijskmuseum Tickets
Vincent Van Gogh is widely known as one of the most famous artists ever. The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam has the biggest collection of his art. This makes it one of the top 25 most popular museums globally. Inside, you'll find his paintings, drawings, and letters, plus works by his artist friends. The museum organizes everything in order by time, so it's easy to follow Van Gogh's artistic journey. Besides the art, the museum building itself is impressive and roomy, so you can enjoy the collection without feeling crowded.
Van Gogh Museum Highlights
- The Harvest
- The Potato Eaters
- The Bedroom
- The Tree Roots
- Sunflowers in Arles
Recommended Van Gogh Museum Tickets
Amsterdam is a city with a rich and varied history. The Amsterdam Museum, located in the heart of the city, was founded in 1975 in a building that was once a convent and later an orphanage. The museum showcases Amsterdam's unique journey from a small fishing village to a global metropolis through an engaging multimedia exhibit called Amsterdam DNA. A visit to the museum is a worthwhile way to spend a few hours in the city.
Amsterdam Museum Highlights
- Special exhibition for kids
- The Stadshal
- Underground Vault
- Great Hall
Recommended Amsterdam Museum Tickets
The Stedelijk Museum has added an interesting color to Amsterdam. When it was first established over a hundred years ago, the museum was the center of controversy. History repeated itself when the museum underwent an eight-year-long renovation in 2012. However, every time the Stedelijk Museum has opened its doors for the visitors, it has gifted them an experience worth remembering. It is one of the most fascinating museums of modern art in the world. It is known for its extensive collection depicting Impressionism, Expressionism, Fauvism, and Cubism. The walls and halls of Stedelijk Museum are adorned with the works of Picasso, Newman, Matisse, Rauschenberg, and Warhol.
Stedelijk Museum Highlights
- Robert Delaunay’s ‘Formes Circulaires’
- Piet Modrian’s ‘Composition No. III with Red Yellow and Blue,’
- Barnett Newman’s ‘Cathedra’
- Andy Warhol’s ‘Bellevue II,’
- Nam June Paik’s ‘TV Buddha’
Recommended Stedelijk Museum Tickets
Abraham Willet and his wife Sandrina Louisa Geertruyda Holthuysen used to live in this 1687-built townhouse. This was later handed over to the city of Amsterdam after their death. The Willet-Holthuysen Museum has since occupied this house. The collection of art acquired by Abraham Willet is on display at the Willet-Holthuysen Museum. Additionally, the rooms itself are a specimen of 18th-century architecture. While some rooms have been restored to their original condition, the others lay in a worn out state.
Highlights of Willet-Holthuysen Museum
- Part of Family’s 275-piece Meissen Table
- French Style Gardens, Original interiors of the Canal House
The Hermitage Amsterdam is a branch of the famous Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg in Russia. The museum mainly focuses on educating the masses about Russian culture and history. Hermitage Amsterdam features a rotating collection of artwork and archaeological artifacts from its Russian collection. Apart from exploring these, you can also catch classical concerts and seminars centered around Russian culture at the Hermitage. The museum is known for holding some of the most successful exhibitions on a regular basis.
Highlights of Hermitage Museum
- Outsider Art Museum
- Portrait Gallery of the Golden Age
Anne Frank is one of the most influential figures in European history. As such, the Frank House has been witness quite a few memorable incidents. These memories set Anne Frank House apart from most other museums. The Anne Frank House collection has been numbered at as many as 15000 documents and artifacts. There is a film which records the thoughts of researchers, historians, and civilians on Anne Frank. You must catch a glimpse of the hinged bookcase, Anne Frank’s first diary, the map of Normandy, and the height marks of Anne and Margot Frank at the Anne Frank House.
Anne Frank House Highlights
- The Hinged Bookcase
- Anne Frank’s First Diary
- Height marks of Anne and Margot Frank
- Map of Normandy
- Anne Frank’s Room
Recommended Anne Frank House Tickets
Fotografiemuseum Amsterdam, better known as Foam, is a photography museum in Amsterdam that is known worldwide for its humongous collection. Its aim is to inspire and inform the visitor about all facets of the art of photography. The museum is located in a 19th-century structure by the central canal of Amsterdam. The museum displays both still photos and multimedia shows. The exhibitions and events at the Foam are regularly rotated. Apart from that, you can attend workshops organized by Foam and buy limited edition photographs that go on sale occasionally.
Fotografiemuseum Amsterdam (Foam)
Foam photography museum hosts exhibitions that change every six months. The museum promotes more than 200 artists from across the globe and they also have a free guided tour available throughout the year.
The Allard Pierson Museum is a part of the University of Amsterdam. It currently displays a vast collection of Mediterranean artifacts. The aim of the museum is to provide access to the historical sources that throw light upon the inception of Western civilization. There are objects such as pottery, sculpture, glassware, jewelry, coins, and household objects at the museum. Apart from the permanent display, the Allard Pierson Museum also houses a number of setups from other parts of the world. The Allard Pierson Museum is definitely worth the visit for a history buff.
Highlights of Allard Pierson Museum
- ‘From Nijl tot Amstel’ Exhibition
- Medieval Bibles
- Multali’s manuscripts
Het Grachtenhuis, or the Canal House Museum, is a small museum housed in a canal house in Amsterdam. The house was built during the Golden Age of the city, and thus reflects the lavish decor of the time. Het Grachtenhuis depicts the construction of the canal ring area that has subsequently proven to be the city’s lifeline. Miniature model of the canal house along with multimedia content makes for a wonderful exhibit. The model of the canal ring area gives you an idea of the boundless of the canal network. If you are interested in the history of the city, Het Grachtenhuis is the place for you.
Het Grachtenhuis Highlights
- The Andriessen Room
- Miniature model of Canal House
- Collection of old Amsterdam maps
- Model of present-day Amsterdam Canal Belt
Recommended Het Grachtenhuis Tickets
Rembrandt is another popular Dutch artist, and this museum is located right in his once residence and workshop. Rembrandt House Museum is a hot destination for art aficionados and researchers. The museum not only displays almost all of Rembrandt’s works, but it also traces the influence of the artist on his pupils and contemporaries. Some of the predecessors of Rembrandt who are believed to have impacted his school of thought are also included in the Rembrandt House Museum. The museum also presents a chance for budding artists to display their works.
Rembrandt House Museum Highlights
- Workshops on ‘etching’
- Series of original etchings
- Rembrandt’s Bedroom
- Rembrandt’s Studio
- Rembrandt’s Cabinet
Recommended Rembrandt House Museum Tickets
Tips For Visiting Museums In Amsterdam
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Keep these tips in mind when visiting and exploring some of the best museums in Amsterdam.
- Since you’ll be walking a lot in the museums, wear comfortable footwear.
- Book your tickets to the museums in Amsterdam in advance. This will help you skip the line and get priority access to the museums in Amsterdam.
- Follow instructions of the employees and adhere to the safety restrictions in all museums in Amsterdam.
- Rather than hopping from museum to museum, try visiting one museum a day in Amsterdam.
- Invest in an Amsterdam City Pass. Not only will the pass let you visit the museums in Amsterdam but it is also great value for money.
- Plan to visit the museums in Amsterdam during the off-peak months of April and September. You’ll find lesser crowds and waiting queues at the museums in Amsterdam during this time.
FAQs:
Some of the best museums in Amsterdam are the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk Museum.
Most museums in Amsterdam do charge an entrance fee, but they may offer discounted rates or free entry on certain days and occasions.
The newest museum in Amsterdam is the Amsterdam Museum. .
There are no restrictions on clothes in any of the museums in Amsterdam, but it is a good idea to wear comfortable clothes and footwear when visiting any of the museums here. However, some museums may prohibit photography and filming inside their premises.
It is a good idea to book your tickets in advance for visiting the museums in Amsterdam because all these museums are very popular attractions in the city. Booking tickets in advance will not only help you save time by skipping the line at the museums but it will also help you plan your Amsterdam itinerary.
