The 11 best museums in Amsterdam

Fancy adding 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 was a museum dedicated to his work in the capital of his country, despite the fact that he only sold one painting in 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 museums in Amsterdam.

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

The museum has a collection of 1,450 works, including 500 drawings, 200 paintings and 750 written documents. It also has an exhibition of paintings from the 19th century, where you can appreciate the relationship between artists contemporary to Van Gogh and his work.

Why do I like this museum?

I find the Van Gogh Museum a fascinating place, as throughout its first floor we can learn the story of the painter 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 country 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 that you don't miss any of the Dutch artist's incredible work. Here are the options available:

• Tickets to the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, from RM113.
• Private guided tour of the Van Gogh Museum, from RM620.
• Guided tour of the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam at closing time, from RM301.
• Private guided tour of the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, from RM1,112.
• Offer: cruise and tickets to the Van Gogh Museum, from RM196.
• Offer: tickets to the Van Gogh Museum and canal cruise, from RM272.

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Considered the best museum in Holland, the Rijksmuseum is one of the must-see art galleries for any traveller visiting the country, as it houses the most outstanding collection of Dutch Golden Age paintings in the world.

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

• Guided tour of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, from RM325
• Private guided tour of the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, from 1112.
• Private guided tour of the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, from RM789.
• Offer: cruise and tickets to the Rijksmuseum, from RM184.

Why do I like this museum?

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

Within its walls lies a slice of European history and art, revealing the cultural and political impact of the Dutch Golden Age on the continent through pieces that belonged to the wealthiest families of the time.

But beyond that period, the Rijksmuseum also preserves many objects of great historical value such as sculptures, weapons, jewellery and costumes belonging to past eras, so this museum is a place I recommend to all lovers of ancient art because you are going to have a great time.

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

With over 90,000 works on display, ranging from the Bauhaus to the Pop-Art.000 works spanning from the 19th to the 21st century, 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 Contemporary Art opened its doors it was not without controversy, as many people were unhappy with its choice of art. Today, however, 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 strong contrast between the old neo-renaissance building and the futuristic building nicknamed "The Bathtub" that leads to the front door of the museum. It even contrasts with other museums in the neighbourhood such as the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum. It is quite striking.

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

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

Details of interest

Madame Tussauds may not be at the top of your list of Amsterdam museums to visit, but I can assure you that if you book tickets for Madame Tussauds, it will be one of the best places to visit during your stay.

Madame Tussauds Amsterdam opened in 1972 in front of Dam Square but has more than 20 locations in 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 as worthwhile and spectacular as they say it is and I can guarantee you that its fame is well deserved.

Not only because of how much its wax sculptures resemble the celebrities they represent, but also because you can interact with them in the different sets and take home a fantastic photo album of your visit.

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.

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With the motto "No touching allowed", the NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam is the perfect place to visit with the whole family as it focuses on visitors young and old discovering how the world around them works through experiments and interactive exhibits.

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

Why do I like this museum?

If you book tickets for the NEMO Science Museum, you'll find that its rooms offer interactive exhibits on the human mind, magnetism, gravity and other everyday phenomena that can surprise you, as well as a variety of science experiments to take part in.

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

The terrace of the museum also offers a sensational view of the historic centre of Amsterdam, so be sure to visit it!

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The Moco or Modern Contemporary Museum is an avant-garde art centre based in the Villa Alsberg on Amsterdam's Musemplein. It houses a collection of iconic works of art by modern authors that will make your visit a unique moment, inspiring you with its wide range.

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

Can you imagine seeing the legendary "Girls with Balloon" or "Love is in the air" murals? 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 defies the rules and gives a voice to street artists as well as masters of contemporary art. Book your tickets in advance and skip the queues.

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The figure of Anne Frank has become an icon against totalitarianism and the unreasonableness 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 took refuge with her family during World War II to escape Nazi persecution.

The recreation of the atmosphere of what was the Frank family's home for more than two years takes us back to a turbulent time. This museum in Amsterdam gives us an insight into the situation of the Jewish community in Europe in the 1940s through the innocent eyes of a young girl.

Why do I like this museum?

Anyone who has read "The Diary of Anne Frank" will want to see first-hand the place where the events described in the story took place, and those who have not yet done so will be able to learn about the moving story of this teenager who has touched millions of people all over the world.

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

Anne's father and sole survivor of the family, Otto Frank, after leaving the concentration camp returned and decided not to rebuild the hiding place, but to leave it empty to represent the emptiness he himself felt at the loss of his family members. All in all, I recommend booking the Anne Frank tour of the Jewish Quarter because it is keeping the memory of Anne Frank alive and passing on her legacy to future generations so that the horror they lived through will never be repeated.

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You don't always get the chance to visit the home of one of the great geniuses of painting, but the Rembrandt House Museum in the centre of Amsterdam is still standing and is a must for art lovers.

A visit to this fully restored 17th century house is an unforgettable experience. It will give you an insight into what the houses looked like at the time and what the work and daily life of the artist, who bought it in 1639 when he had already achieved success, was like. Make sure you book your tickets to Rembrandt's house-museum, from RM95, it's a must.

Also, if you want to delve deeper into the work, make sure you book tickets for the Rembrandts Amsterdam Experience, from RM71

Why do I like this museum?

It's a highly recommended visit because it tells the story of Rembrandt as a painter, businessman, collector and inhabitant of Amsterdam in the middle of the Dutch Golden Age. If there is one thing I liked, it is that the people in charge of the museum 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 drawn up when Rembrandt was ruined by debts.

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

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

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If you book tickets for the Dutch Resistance Museum you should know that it is not a major museum, 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 the visitor with an enormous amount of information about one of the most recent episodes in the country's history. It is very well documented and decorated and I recommend you to visit it because it tells the story in a very dynamic way through photos, letters, objects of the time and newspapers that will help you understand how the invasion and the subsequent resistance took place.

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

The visit is not boring at all and you can learn many things about one of the most convulsive chapters in the history of Europe.

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The Amstelkring Museum is one of the most striking and oldest museums in Amsterdam. It is striking because from the outside it looks like a normal little house in the neighbourhood, but there is nothing to suggest what you will find inside: 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 the Catholic faith was not allowed to be practised in public.

This is when the first secret Catholic churches such as the Amstelkring or the Begijnhof chapel appeared in commercial buildings, reminiscent in some ways of the Roman Christian catacombs that spiritually assisted the Catholic population out of public view in times of cruel persecution.

Why do I like this museum?

It is truly amazing to see how well preserved this church-museum built 350 years ago is 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 was to give any hint that a forbidden religion was being practised there or it could have serious consequences for the faithful.

The church of Our Lady of the Attic is reached via narrow, steep stairs. Together with its beautiful late baroque altar, it is the most impressive part of the museum. Did you know that this church could hold more than 150 people? The rest of the visit to the Amstelkring Museum takes place in the other rooms. Thus, in addition to the church hidden in the attic, you will be able to see other rooms such as the confessional, its kitchen and some other rooms where collections of Catholic heritage are exhibited.

It is one of the most surprising and interesting museums that I recommend you to discover due to the uniqueness of its construction and purpose. Its incredible history and good preservation is well worth a visit on your holidays, you will love it!

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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 give you an insight into how the city was born, its evolution during the Middle Ages, how it became the first world 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 is a very interesting museum to learn about the roots of Amsterdam. Not only because of its exhibitions, where models, plans and drawings present the history of the city in chronological order, but also because it shows the social aspects of the daily life of the Dutch, their folklore and their religion.

In addition, the Amsterdam Museum is located in a former orphanage in Classicist style, which in itself is also worth a visit as it is considered a beautiful historical monument of the city.

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

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Amsterdam is a lively city with a wide range of cultural offerings that make this destination even more interesting. In addition to the great museums that are a must-see, there are many other recommended experiences that you can experience on a second trip to the Dutch capital, which is well worth it. I'll summarise them below:

• Ripley's Museum Amsterdam: A totally different museum where you won't cease to be amazed by the oddities in its collection.
• The Upside Down Museum in Amsterdam: If you're an Instagram fanatic and want to take home a repertoire of photos, don't miss this interactive museum where you'll lose track of space.
• Red Light Secrets Museum in Amsterdam: 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 perspective.
• WONDR Experience in Amsterdam: Art gallery and recreational space for a day of great fun.
• Diamond Museum: With one of the most important collections of jewellery in Europe, including pieces such as the Rembrandt Diamond and the Monkey Skull.
• Amsterdam Street Art Museum STRAAT: In this former warehouse of no less than 8,000 square metres, you will enter a space dedicated to street art and graffiti with more than 160 works by more than 150 artists.
• Amsterdam Jewish Museum: A place where you can learn about the culture, traditions, works and important elements of the Jewish community in Holland.
• Amsterdam Canals Museum: A tour where you can appreciate the beauty of Amsterdam's canals and how they have contributed to the development of Holland's economy and culture.
• Nxt Museum in Amsterdam: Only four years old, in this space you will be able to admire how art, technology and science are related through various interactive installations.

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

• In case you prefer to tour the city in the company of a guide who will show you all the secrets of Amsterdam, don't miss the post the best tours in Amsterdam It is a very comfortable 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're interested in getting to know this quirky place with a guide, check out the post Amsterdam Red Light District tours to learn more.
• And if you haven't already, it's always a good time to take a canal cruise in the 'Venice of the North' and relax and enjoy the beautiful urban sights. Find out more about this Amsterdam canal cruise experience.