11 Best Museums in Amsterdam

Would you like to add a cultural activity to your trip? Discover the 10 best museums in Amsterdam for a day full of art, history and lots of fun.

What would Van Gogh think if he discovered that there is a museum dedicated to his work in the capital of his country, even though he only sold one painting during his entire career? Perhaps he would not believe it, as luck did not smile on him during his lifetime, but the truth is that today he is one of the most acclaimed artists by the public and the Van Gogh Museum is one of the most visited in Amsterdam.

Although several of his works are scattered around the world, the Van Gogh Museum has some of the most important ones, such as "Peasants Eating Potatoes", "Sunflowers", "The Bedroom in Arles" and "The Yellow House", among others.

This museum has a collection of 1,450 works, of which 500 are drawings, 200 are paintings, and 750 are written documents. It also has an exhibition of 19th-century paintings, where you can appreciate the relationship between contemporary artists and Van Gogh's work.

Why do I like this museum?

I find the Van Gogh Museum a fascinating place, as on the first floor we can learn about the painter's history told canvas by canvas.

His paintings are arranged chronologically through five periods according to the stages of Van Gogh's life, so that you can see his artistic evolution from the rural scenes of his early days to the troubled works of his last days. I recommend taking a private guided tour of the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam so you don't miss any details of the Dutch artist's incredible work. Here are the options available:

• Tickets for the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, from S$40
• Private guided tour of the Van Gogh Museum, from S$204
• Private guided tour of the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, from S$357
• Specialoffer: cruise and tickets to the Van Gogh Museum, from S$68
• Offer: tickets to the Van Gogh Museum and canal cruise, from S$92

Details of interest

Considered the best museum in the Netherlands, the Rijksmuseum is one of the essential art galleries for any traveller visiting the country, as it houses the world's most outstanding collection of paintings from the Dutch Golden Age.

Located in the heart of Amsterdam, the Rijksmuseum not only houses paintings by important Dutch artists such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, Jan Steen and Frans Hals, but also has an interesting collection of ancient objects from Dutch culture (engravings, drawings, photographs, etc.) and other cultures such as Egyptian and Asian. There are several options available for your visit:

• Guided tour of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, from S$105
• Private guided tour of the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, from 357
• Private guided tour of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, from S$253
• Offer: cruise and tickets to the Rijksmuseum, from S$78

Why do I like this museum?

The Rijksmuseum is the largest museum in the Netherlands and one of Amsterdam's main tourist attractions, showcasing 800 years of the country's history, from 1200 to the present day.

Within its walls, it holds a piece of European history and art and reveals the cultural and political impact of the Dutch Golden Age on the continent through pieces that belonged to the wealthiest families of that era.

But beyond that period, the Rijksmuseum also preserves many objects of great historical value such as sculptures, weapons, jewellery and costumes from past eras, making this museum a place that I recommend to all lovers of ancient art because they will have a great time.

Details of interest

If you like modern art, you must book tickets for the Stedelijk Museum during your stay in Amsterdam. Founded in 1874, this art gallery houses one of the main collections of this artistic movement and focuses on movements such as Bauhaus, Pop Art, De Stijl (The Style), Colourfield, Neo-Impressionism and Minimalism.

With more than 90,000 works spanning the 19th to the 21st centuries, this is Amsterdam's most important museum of contemporary art and design and one of the most prominent internationally.

Interestingly, when the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art first opened its doors, it was not without controversy, as many people were unhappy with its artistic choices. However, today the Stedelijk Museum has become one of the most entertaining and beloved museums in the Netherlands.

Why do I like this museum?

On the one hand, I like the Stedelijk Museum for its architecture, as it presents a stark contrast between the old neo-Renaissance building and the futuristic building nicknamed "The Bathtub" that leads into the museum through its main entrance. Even compared to other museums in the neighbourhood, such as the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, it is quite striking.

On the other hand, I like it for the art collections it houses inside. There are some very interesting pieces by Van Gogh, Matisse, Renoir, Newman, Picasso, Warhol, Jackson Pollock and Rauschenberg, among others.

In addition, the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art has a collection of objects representative of various modern art movements, such as photographs, sculptures, drawings, engravings and graphic design.

Details of interest

Madame Tussauds may not be the first museum on your list of places to visit in Amsterdam, but I can assure you that if you book tickets for Madame Tussauds, it will be one of the places you enjoy most during your stay.

Madame Tussauds Amsterdam opened in 1972 opposite Dam Square, but it has more than twenty locations across Asia, Europe, America and Oceania, with London and New York being the two most famous.

If you are travelling with children or teenagers to the Dutch capital, this is one of the best museums in Amsterdam to visit as a family because they will have a great time exploring the different floors and all the surprises that await them there.

Why do I like this museum?

Many people wonder if Madame Tussauds is worth it and as spectacular as they say, and I can guarantee that its fame is well deserved.

Not only because the wax sculptures look so much like the celebrities they represent, but also because you can interact with them in the different settings and take home a fantastic photo album of your visit as a souvenir.

The current collection at Madame Tussauds Amsterdam includes figures of royalty and politicians (such as the King and Queen of the Netherlands, Angela Merkel and Barack Obama), actors and singers (Marilyn Monroe, Lady Gaga, Adele and Daniel Craig), as well as fictional characters such as Marvel superheroes.

Details of interest

With the slogan "No touching is not allowed", the NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam is the perfect place to visit with the family, as it focuses on helping visitors of all ages discover how the world around them works through experiments and interactive exhibits.

Located very close to Central Station, in a large greenish ship-shaped building, this five-storey museum proves that learning about technology and science doesn't have to be boring.

Why do I like this museum?

If you book tickets for the NEMO Science Museum, you'll find that its rooms offer interactive exhibitions on the human mind, magnetism, gravity and other everyday phenomena that we live with and that can surprise us, as well as different scientific experiments that you can participate in.

The NEMO Science Museum is a space designed for experimenting with science and making visitors feel like real researchers for a while. And I must say that it really succeeds. Children will have a fun day, but adults will also be surprised by what they see there.

In addition, the museum's terrace offers stunning views of Amsterdam's historic centre. Don't miss it!

Useful information

The Moco or Museum of Modern Contemporary Art is an avant-garde art centre located in the Villa Alsberg on Musemplein in Amsterdam. It houses a collection of iconic works of art by modern artists that will make your visit a unique experience, thanks to its inspiring wide range.

Book your ticket to the Moco Museum and discover the socially impactful works of renowned artists such as Andy Warhol and Keith Haring, although the most surprising collection is perhaps this museum's contribution to the work of street artist Banksy.

Can you imagine being able to see the legendary murals "Girls with Balloon" or "Love is in the Air"? In this museum's permanent exhibition "Laugh Now", which commemorates the anonymous graffiti artist with remnants of his rescued works, it is possible.

Why do I like this museum?

If you like modern art, if you want to let art move you, you can't miss this museum that challenges the norms and gives a voice to street artists as well as masters of contemporary art. Book your tickets in advance and skip the queues.

Details of interest

Anne Frank has become an icon against totalitarianism and the senselessness of barbarism. Thanks to her famous diary, her story is known throughout the world and every year thousands of people visit the house where she and her family took refuge during World War II to escape Nazi persecution.

The recreation of the atmosphere that was the Frank family's home for more than two years transports us to a turbulent era. This museum in Amsterdam allows us to understand the situation of the Jewish community in Europe in the 1940s through the innocent eyes of a child.

Why do I like this museum?

Anyone who has read "The Diary of Anne Frank" will want to see for themselves the place where the events described in the story took place, and those who have not yet read it will be able to learn about the moving story of this teenager who has touched the hearts of millions of people around the world.

The visit to the Anne Frank House, the former office of her father's company that served as their hiding place, is very well planned and guided. You can see each of the rooms in the house perfectly and put yourself in the shoes of the Frank family during those difficult times. It is inevitable that you will get a lump in your throat. Especially when you see the original notebooks from the girl's diary and feel that tremendous sense of emptiness inside the building.

Anne's father and the only survivor of the family, Otto Frank, returned after leaving the concentration camp and decided not to rebuild the hiding place, but to leave it empty to represent the emptiness he felt at the loss of his family. In short, I recommend booking the Anne Frank tour of the Jewish quarter because it keeps Anne Frank's memory alive and passes on her legacy to future generations so that the horror they experienced will never be repeated.

Details of interest

It's not often that you get the chance to visit the home of one of the greatest geniuses of painting, but in the centre of Amsterdam, the Rembrandt House Museum still stands, a must-see for art lovers.

Stepping inside this fully restored 17th-century house is an unforgettable experience. It will give you an insight into what houses looked like at that time and what the artist's work and daily life were like in the house, which he bought in 1639 when he had already achieved success. Be sure to book your tickets for the Rembrandt House Museum, from S$34, it's a must-see.

Also, if you want to delve deeper into his work, be sure to book tickets for Rembrandts Amsterdam Experience, from S$28

Why do I like this museum?

It is a highly recommended visit because it tells the story of Rembrandt as a painter, entrepreneur, collector and resident of Amsterdam during the Dutch Golden Age. What I particularly liked was that the museum curators did a meticulous job of recreating the original house with furniture, works of art and objects from that period, based on an inventory that was made when Rembrandt was ruined by debt.

A visit to the Rembrandt Museum is quite an experience because you can walk through the different rooms where the artist lived, such as the living room, the kitchen and the studio (in my opinion, the most important room in the house), where he painted several of his masterpieces. Stepping into this place is amazing!

But that's not all! Another reason why I recommend visiting this museum is because they organise daily workshops on engraving techniques and how painting was done in Rembrandt's time. It's very, very interesting.

Details of interest

If you book tickets for the Dutch Resistance Museum, you should know that it is not one of the main museums, but history lovers will find an exciting journey through the history of the Netherlands during the Nazi occupation, told in an interactive way and through the personal stories of many Dutch people who worked and risked their lives to weaken the enemy during World War II.

Why do I like this museum?

The Resistance Museum provides visitors with a wealth of information about one of the most recent episodes in the country's history. It is very well documented and decorated, and I recommend visiting it because it tells the story in a very dynamic way through photos, letters, period objects and newspapers that will help you understand how the invasion and subsequent resistance took place.

Furthermore, if you are visiting Amsterdam with your family and would like to take your children to the Resistance Museum, this institution has a special exhibition dedicated to them that tells the story of four children and their experiences during the war.

The visit is by no means boring, and you can learn a great deal about one of the most turbulent chapters in European history.

Useful information

The Amstelkring Museum is one of the most surprising and oldest museums in Amsterdam. It is striking because from the outside it looks like any other small house in the neighbourhood, and nothing prepares you for what you find inside when you enter: a clandestine church!

But how is it possible that there were clandestine churches in the city? It turns out that after Luther's Reformation, Amsterdam became a Protestant city where it was not permitted to practise the Catholic faith in public.

That's when the first secret Catholic churches, such as Amstelkring and the Begijnhof chapel, emerged in commercial buildings that are somewhat reminiscent of the Roman Christian catacombs that provided spiritual assistance to the Catholic population away from the public eye during times of cruel persecution.

Why do I like this museum?

It is truly amazing to see the good state of preservation of this 350-year-old church-museum and how the interior of the building was adapted with galleries, openings and beams for religious worship without touching the architecture of the exterior façade. Nothing should give any clues that a forbidden religion was practised there or that it could lead to serious consequences for the faithful.

A narrow, steep staircase leads to the church of Nuestra Señora del Ático. Along with its beautiful late Baroque altar, this is the part of the museum that I find most impressive. Did you know that this temple could hold more than 150 people? The rest of the visit to the Amstelkring Museum takes place in the other rooms. In addition to the church hidden in the attic, you can see other rooms such as the confessional, the kitchen and some other rooms where Catholic heritage collections are on display.

This is one of the most surprising and interesting museums that I recommend you visit due to the uniqueness of its construction and purpose. Its incredible history and good state of preservation make it well worth a visit during your holiday. You'll love it!

Details of interest

Located in the centre of the Dutch capital, this is the best place to learn about the history of Amsterdam and its importance in Europe.

A visit to the Amsterdam Museum will allow you to learn about how the city was founded, its evolution during the Middle Ages, how it became the world's leading port in the 16th century, and its subsequent transformation into the cosmopolitan city it is today.

Why do I like this museum?

I think it's a very interesting museum for learning about the roots of Amsterdam. Not only because of its exhibitions, which use models, plans and drawings to present the history of the city in chronological order, but also because it shows the social aspects of everyday life in the Netherlands, its folklore and its religion.

In addition, the Amsterdam Museum is located in a former classical-style orphanage, which is also worth a visit in its own right as it is considered a beautiful historical monument of the city.

Surprisingly, the theme of the museum and the structure of the building blend perfectly to create a very comprehensive historical experience, so I recommend you visit it.

Details of interest

Amsterdam is a lively city with a wide range of cultural attractions that make it even more interesting. In addition to the major museums that are a must-see, there are many other recommended experiences that you can enjoy on a second trip to the Dutch capital, which is well worth it. Here is a summary:

• Ripley's Museum Amsterdam: A totally different museum where you'll be amazed by the oddities in its collection.
• The Upside Down Museum Amsterdam: If you're an Instagram fan and want to take home a collection of photos, don't miss this interactive museum where you'll lose all sense of space.
• Amsterdam Red Light Secrets Museum: A former brothel converted into a museum to highlight the world of prostitution.
• Body Worlds Exhibition in Amsterdam: Discover the incredible human body from every angle.
• WONDR Experience in Amsterdam: An art gallery and recreational space for a day of great fun.
• Diamond Museum: With one of the most important jewellery collections in Europe, it includes pieces such as the Rembrandt Diamond and the Monkey's Skull.
• STRAAT Street Art Museum in Amsterdam: In this former warehouse, covering no less than 8,000 square metres, you will enter a space dedicated to street art and graffiti with more than 160 works by over 150 artists.
• Amsterdam Jewish Museum: A place where you can learn about the culture, traditions, works and important elements of the Jewish community in the Netherlands.
• Amsterdam Canal Museum: A tour where you can appreciate the beauty of Amsterdam's canals and how they contributed to the development of the Dutch economy and culture.
• Nxt Museum in Amsterdam: Only four years old, this space allows you to admire how art, technology and science relate to each other through various interactive installations.

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If this is your first time visiting the Dutch capital and you don't know where to start, Amsterdam's museums are a good option, but I also recommend taking inspiration from the article What to see and do in Amsterdam, where you will discover its main tourist attractions:

• If you prefer to explore the city in the company of a guide who will show you all the secrets of Amsterdam, don't miss the post on the best tours in Amsterdam. It's a very convenient and enjoyable way to explore the city.
• Another of the city's most famous tourist attractions is Amsterdam's Red Light District, well known for its liberal lifestyle and controversial origins. If you are interested in visiting this unique place with a guide, take a look at the post Amsterdam Red Light District tours to find out more.
• And if you haven't already done so, it's always a good time to hop on a cruise through the canals of the "Venice of the North" and relax while enjoying the beautiful city views. Find out more about this experience in Amsterdam canal cruises.