Amsterdam, Netherlands’ capital is known for its artistic heritage, elaborate canal system and narrow houses with gabled facades, legacies of the city’s 17th-century Golden Age. Checking out the top museums in Amsterdam is a must. Whether you are on a couples romantic break in Amsterdam or whether visiting Amsterdam during the winter.
There are plenty of Museums in Amsterdam whatever your interests. From museums about cats to an amazing collection of handbags, plus photography, archaeology and more, Amsterdam has museums and galleries for every interest. Its Museum District houses the Van Gogh Museum, works by Rembrandt and Vermeer at the Rijksmuseum, and modern art at the Stedelijk. Cycling is key to the city’s character, and there are numerous bike paths. Below are 5 of the best museums in Amsterdam you dont want to miss.
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6 Of The Best Museums In Amsterdam
Amsterdam is one of my favourite cities in Europe and one that can easily be combined as part of a multi-city itinerary. I have previously shared a London, Paris and Amsterdam itinerary. So you can certainly add these museums to an itinerary based on your creative interests or in addition to may other tours in Amsterdam you might want to check out.
Note: If you have an IAMsterdam Card, you can free access to many museums and tourist attractions. You can get admission to the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum (with time slot booking option), Rembrandthuis Museum, Hermitage Amsterdam and other Amsterdam attractions. You also get huge discounts too. In addition, your also get to enjoy unlimited public transport throughout the city and a free canal cruise.
1. Rijksmuseum
Visitors to the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam can expect much more than just paintings by Dutch Masters from the Golden Age. The museum’s expansive, evocative collection also includes Delftware, sculptures, archaeological artefacts, clothing, Asian art, prints, items from Dutch maritime history and many other culturally significant objects, all combining to vividly explore 800 years of Dutch history within a global context. Some of most famous national treasures in Amsterdam and the Netherlands, including historic art by Vermeer, Frans Hals, and perhaps most notably Rembrandt’s ‘The Night Watch’, which takes pride of place in a beautifully lit hall allowing visitors to enjoy every tiny detail. The entrance is free with the IAMsterdam Card.
Opening times: Every day from 9am to 5pm
2. Van Gogh Museum
For both locals and far-travelling visitors, the Van Gogh Museum is a unique and inspirational experience. Housing the largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh – more than 200 paintings, 500 drawings and 700 of his letters. The museum is also home to exceptional research facilities that add true depth to our knowledge about Van Gogh’s life, how he worked, as well as showing visitors an insider look at the conservation work that goes on. There are art workshops for kids, and on Vincent on Friday it stays open until 21:00, inviting musicians, DJs and other performers to share its public spaces with the artworks and visitors. The entrance is free with the IAMsterdam Card.
Opening times: Saturday – Thursday: 09:00 to 18:00 & Friday: 09:00 to 21:00 times change in December.
3. Hermitage
The Hermitage Amsterdam is the Dutch branch of the world-famous Hermitage museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Located on the banks of the Amstel River, the Hermitage Amsterdam is an exhibition space and cultural education centre with a focus on Russian history and culture. It is also the first Dutch museum that has devoted an exhibition to Alexander the Great (September 2010 till March 2011). It has a special children’s section and regularly holds workshops focused on fun and creativity. What’s more, thanks to its position right by the River Amstel, the Hermitage Amsterdam is also the backdrop to major city events, such as the Concert on the Amstel on Liberation Day and the Amsterdam City Swim. The entrance is free with the IAMsterdam Card.
Opening times: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 until 17:00 | Closed on: Christmas day
4. Stedelijk Museum
A visit to the Stedelijk Museum takes the visitor on a journey through the last 150 years of art, presenting the best of modern art in Amsterdam. Iconic works by Karel Appel, Cézanne, Chagall, Marlene Dumas, Kandinsky, Edward Kienholz, De Kooning, Koons, Malevich, Matisse, Mondrian, Picasso, Pollock, Gerrit Rietveld, Warhol and many others are on show. The foyer and restaurant are extremely inviting to both locals and travellers alike, the large museum shop is well-stocked with posters, art books, postcards and plenty of design trinkets, and thanks an avid team of art-loving volunteers, the Stedelijk’s programming is regularly enriched by special guided tours, lectures and other live performances.
Opening times: Sunday – Thursday: 10:00 until 18:00 & Friday: 10:00 until 22:00
5. Diamond Museum
The Diamond museum takes you on a journey that began 3 billion years ago, 200 kilometres under the surface of the earth and which ends in the ring on your finger or in the pendant around your neck. A truly fascinating story that should not missed. Meet specialists who transform a rough stone into a sparkling jewel and see the smallest brilliant diamond in the world! You’ll learn how to distinguish between real and an imitation diamond and admire the collection of sparkling jewels on display.
Opening times: Monday – Sunday: 09:00 until 17:00
6. Museum of Bags and Purses
Now that’s a name you don’t hear every day, but in this case its best to clearly explain what is housed in this particular museum. Get a chance to discover the exquisite and unique collection of Hendrikje Ivo, who collected bags for more than 35 years. The museum houses a collection of more than 4000 bags and is the largest museum of bags in the world. From bridal bags to coin purses, from satchels to shoulder bags, from reticules to evening bags. View the handbag of Prime Minister Thatcher, Madonna and Hillary Clinton. See the finest works of fashion icons like Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Hermès, and Dutch greats like Hester van Eeghen. The entrance is € 12.00 for adults and € 8.00 for children.
Opening times: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 until 17:00 | Closed on: Christmas day and new years day
Also See
- The Best Areas To Stay In Amsterdam
- Why You Need To Add A High Wine Experience When In Amsterdam
- The Brunch Spots In Amsterdam
- The Best Brewery Tours In Amsterdam
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Great article! I have only done the Van Gogh museum in my last trip, that too solely because I wouldn’t have missed it for anything. But looks like I could keep a day for only museums on my next trip.