Top Museums to Explore in Amsterdam

With priceless artworks by some of the most important artists and invaluable historical collections, Amsterdam’s museums and galleries astound visitors with their quality and variety. Despite the Dutch capital’s compact size, there are numerous options across all genres, offering a wealth of choices for art and history enthusiasts alike.

Rijksmuseum: Best for Dutch Masterpieces

Rembrandt’s epic The Night Watch, Vermeer’s Milkmaid, and Jan Steen’s The Merry Family are just a taste of the Golden Age gems within the Rijksmuseum. This museum provides a spectacular setting for collections ranging from Delftware porcelain to exquisite dollhouses, with sculptures adorning the rose-filled garden outside. Completed in 1885, the neo-Gothic and Dutch Renaissance building designed by Pierre Cuypers is a national treasure in its own right.

Van Gogh Museum: Best for the Artist’s Legacy

Home to approximately 200 paintings and 500 drawings, the Van Gogh Museum at Museumplein houses the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh works. Discover this legendary Dutch artist’s life through vividly colored creations like Sunflowers, The Yellow House, and Wheatfield with Crows. The museum also displays works by fellow artists, providing greater context to Van Gogh’s impactful journey.

Stedelijk Museum: Best for Modern and Contemporary Art

A third jewel in Museumplein’s crown, Amsterdam’s Stedelijk Museum occupies a former bank and features a modern extension known as ‘the Bathtub’. It showcases a permanent collection of over 100,000 pieces, including works by Picasso, Matisse, Mondrian, Lichtenstein, and Jeff Koons, alongside cutting-edge temporary exhibitions.

Museum het Rembrandthuis: Best Residence Museum

Rembrandt worked on The Night Watch at this magnificent Nieuwmarkt canal house, where he ran the Netherlands’ largest painting studio from 1639 until the 1650s. The house was faithfully recreated in 1911 as a museum, allowing visitors to explore his client reception room, living space, and studio, where the great painter created numerous masterpieces.

Anne Frank Huis: Best for WWII History

The Anne Frank Huis serves as a poignant reminder of the tragedies of WWII. This museum preserves the “Secret Annexe” where young Anne and her family hid from the Nazis for over two years. After the war, Anne’s father Otto published Anne’s diary, ensuring that her voice would resonate with generations to come.

Joods Historisch Museum: Best for Jewish History

Situated within four 17th- and 18th-century Ashkenazic synagogues, the Jewish Historical Museum covers the history of Jews in the Netherlands. It features early illustrated books, first-hand interviews, and excellent temporary exhibitions, making it an essential visit for those interested in Jewish culture and heritage.

Tropenmuseum: Best for World Cultures

Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most culturally diverse cities, with 180 different nationalities living within its borders. The Tropenmuseum offers a deep dive into shared human experiences—celebration, mourning, clothing, and prayer—through its carefully curated displays. The museum also addresses restitution for colonial era artifacts.

Amsterdam Museum: Best for Local History

Set in a former civic orphanage, the Amsterdam Museum illustrates the city’s history over the past millennium through various multimedia exhibits, including displays on the rise of bicycles in the city. Its Civic Guard Gallery showcases group portraits of notable historical figures, making for a fascinating visit.

NEMO Science Museum: Best for Families

With five floors of interactive exhibits, NEMO is the perfect destination for family fun. Kids can engage with science hands-on, from exploring the “Life in the Universe” exhibit to conducting experiments in the laboratory. The free, panoramic rooftop deck provides opportunities for play and learning about renewable energy concepts.

Fashion for Good: Best for Future-Proof Fashion

This pioneering sustainable fashion museum challenges visitors to rethink their perceptions of the clothing industry. Exhibits focus on sustainable materials, recycling, and innovations in fashion, encouraging a commitment to positive action towards sustainability.

Het Scheepvaartmuseum: Best for Maritime History

To understand Amsterdam’s rich history, one must acknowledge its maritime roots. The maritime museum presents seafaring displays and artifacts from the Golden Age. Visitors can even board a full-scale replica of a Dutch East India Company ship, providing an immersive connection to the past.

Foam: Best for Photography

All forms of photography are celebrated at Foam, Amsterdam’s leading photographic gallery. Set in a light-filled canal house, it hosts four exhibitions a year, including major names, while also nurturing new photographic talent.

Other Intriguing Museums: Best for Niche Interests

A plethora of specialized museums cater to unique interests in Amsterdam, ranging from houseboats at the Houseboat Museum to house music at Our House. The city even features museums dedicated to historic trams, pipes, pianolas, bibles, and microbes, providing endless exploring opportunities for curious minds.