Best art museums in Amsterdam: discovering the city's artistic wonders

Amsterdam is home to an impressive collection of world-class museums, but its art museums are what really stand out. They boast unique and comprehensive collections of works from Dutch and international artists which spans from 13th century to now. The Rijksmuseum, which has over 8,000 objects on display, is the jewel in the city’s cultural crown, the building itself an Amsterdam landmark in its own right. Others like the Van Gogh Museum and the Rembrandt House Museum celebrate the most important Dutch painters. But it isn’t all about centuries-old masterpieces.

There are thought-provoking installations of modern art at the Stedelijk Museum and amazing displays of grafitti and street art at STRAAT. There’s even a futuristic, interactive, and immersive art experience that sits among the most fun things to do in Amsterdam. Every Amsterdam art space has its own unique character and art enthusiasts won’t want to miss any of the 10 on this list.

Best art museums in Amsterdam

1. Get acquainted with Dutch art history at the Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum, one of the overall best museums in Amsterdam, primarily showcases Dutch art from the the Middle Ages to the year 2000. It’s a wonderful spot for first-timers in Amsterdam, offering a fascinating glimpse into the history of art in the Netherlands and beyond.

Highlights:

The most famous pieces (around 2,000 of them) are from the Dutch Golden Age, with notable works by famous artists including Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Jan Steen. With a Rijksmuseum entry ticket, you can see the an amazing collection of paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, furniture, and historical artifacts.

Address and opening hours:

Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam, Netherlands. Open Monday-Sunday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM.

2. Admire the works of Van Gogh

The Van Gogh Museum is a vibrant homage to one of the most iconic artists of all time, with an impressive collection of over 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and nearly 800 letters from the famous Dutchman who lived between 1853 and 1890.

Highlights:

Get your cultural fix with an Van Gogh Museum ticket and see various exhibits that delve deep into the artist's life, techniques, and processes.

Address and opening hours:

Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam, Netherlands. Open Monday-Sunday, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM.

3. Check out the latest in street art

The STRAAT Museum is not just an indoor gallery. The impressive murals here are displayed on buildings throughout the city, making the art accessible to everyone.

Highlights:

Visit the STRAAT Museum, pick up a map that highlights where each piece is, and explore the colorful exhibition that includes works by more than 130 international artists.

Address and opening hours:

T.T. Neveritaweg 1, 1033 RC Amsterdam, Netherlands. Open Mondays 12:00 PM-6:00 PM, Tuesday and Thursday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.

4. Discover how Rembrandt lived

The Rembrandt House Museum is not your run-of-the-mill destination. Take a step back in time and immerse yourself in the very space where Rembrandt lived and worked for over twenty years.

Highlights:

Get an entry ticket for the Rembrandt House Museum and you're sure to be impressed by the sheer dedication that went into showcasing Rembrandt's life and legacy.

Address and opening hours:

Zwanenburgwal 9, 1011 VW Amsterdam, Netherlands. Open Monday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.

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5. See the modern side of Amsterdam’s art scene

The Stedelijk Museum is no ordinary museum. It's a hub for contemporary and modern art paired with breathtaking architecture.

Highlights:

With an Stedelijk Museum Entrance Ticket, you can see works by influential artists, such as Mondrian, Warhol, and De Kooning.

Address and opening hours:

Amsterdam Oud-Zuid, 1071 AP Amsterdam, Netherlands. Open Saturday-Thursday, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM, and Friday, 10:00 AM-10:00 PM.

6. Get lost in Escher’s optical illusions

Looking for a mind-bending, perspective-shifting adventure? It’s worth making the trip to the Escher Museum in The Hague, around 60 kilometers southwest of Amsterdam. It showcases the stunningly surreal works of graphic artist M.C. Escher that will open your eyes and mind.

Highlights:

A day trip to the museums in The Hague gives you access to Escher’s signature optical illusions and impossible geometry, which are enough to make even the staunchest rationalist question their own sense of reality.

Address and opening hours:

Overhoeksplein, Amsterdam, Netherlands. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 11:00 AM-5:00 PM.

7. Learn how the wealthy lived in 19th-century Amsterdam

The Willet-Holthuysen Museum offers a glimpse into the upper-class Dutch lifestyle of yore with a curated collection of period furniture and paintings.

Highlights:

Grab a Willet-Holthuysen Museum ticket for an experience that blends art, history, and nostalgia, thanks to beautifully designed architecture and gardens.

Address and opening hours:

Herengracht 605, 1017 CE Amsterdam, Netherlands. Open Monday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

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8. Immerse yourself in the world of Dalí and Gaudí

The immersive Dalí and Gaudí exhibition uses high-tech projections, surround sound, and animatronics to bring the works of two of Spain's most iconic artists to life, resulting in a wonderful combination of old and new technology.

Highlights:

Visit the Fabrique des Lumières exhibit in Amsterdam to get a front-row seat to this Dalí and Gaudí surrealist dream.

Address and opening hours:

Pazzanistraat 37, 1014 DB Amsterdam, Netherlands. Tours have variable start times.

9. Take a futuristic journey through 500 years of art history

This cutting-edge RTXP Art Experience combines elements from both virtual reality and real life to bring you an otherworldly art experience unlike any other. Clever computer graphic and larger-than-life productions immerse you in colorful scenes that bring half a century of art to life.

Highlights:

Transport yourself into a mesmerizing world filled with vibrant colors, shapes, and sounds with an RTXP Art Experience ticket.

Address and opening hours:

Marie Heinekenplein, 1072 BG Amsterdam, Netherlands. Variable start times.

10. See the most famous Dutch painting

The Mauritshuis in the Hague, an hour by train from Amsterdam, is a stunning museum that showcases a vast collection of Dutch Golden Age paintings and carefully curated rooms adorned with classic furnishings.

Highlights:

Scan your ticket to enter Mauritshuis and be mesmerized by some of the most famous paintings in the world, including its most-prized painting, Johannes Vermeer's “Girl with a Pearl Earring.”

Address and opening hours:

Plein 29, 2511 CS Den Haag, Netherlands. Open Monday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.

FAQs

1. Are there any free-entry days for art museums in Amsterdam?

Many art museums in Amsterdam do offer free admission or reduced admission fees for certain groups, such as children, students, and the elderly. Additionally, some local initiatives occasionally partner with museums to organize free tours or open days for locals and budget-conscious travelers alike.

2. What are some unique and lesser-known art museums worth visiting in Amsterdam?

Several museums in Amsterdam feature lesser-known artists. One such museum is the Outsider Art Museum, which is devoted entirely to self-taught artists who create works outside of mainstream society. Located inside Hermitage Amsterdam, this museum presents thought-provoking exhibits that challenge traditional definitions of what constitutes art.

3. Which art museums in Amsterdam have works by famous artists?

Amsterdam boasts many world-renowned art museums that house famous works by celebrated artists. The Rijksmuseum, for instance, houses the largest collection of Dutch art in the world and is home to some of Rembrandt van Rijn's most famous paintings, including his masterpiece The Night Watch.

4. Are the art museums in Amsterdam wheelchair accessible?

The art museums in Amsterdam are generally well-equipped for wheelchair accessibility. The city's main museums, such as the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, provide various accommodations to ensure that visitors with disabilities, including those who use wheelchairs, have access to their exhibits and facilities.

5. Are there any art museums in Amsterdam that are suitable for children and families?

Amsterdam boasts several art museums that provide excellent opportunities for families to appreciate art while having fun. The Rijksmuseum, for example, has dedicated an entire floor to children called Rijksmuseum Junior. The Van Gogh Museum also provides a Kids' Guide that is specially designed for young visitors.