When picturing Amsterdam, what usually comes to mind are the iconic attractions and symbols that have become synonymous with Dutch culture. For example, the impressive windmills, the quirky clogs or the beautiful tulip blooms. However, the Netherlands also has a rich cultural background that is captured and honoured in a variety of must-see museums in Amsterdam.
That’s why Expat Explore has compiled a list of the best museums in Amsterdam for travellers from around the world to visit! Read on for more information about the museums that tell the story of Dutch history, culture, people and places.
Related: Here are three more reasons to visit Amsterdam!
Take a look at the best museums in Amsterdam:
Van Gogh Museum
Located in the Museum Square in the south of Amsterdam, the Van Gogh Museum is truly an experience you can’t miss out on! It showcases the works of the world-renowned Vincent van Gogh as well as other visionaries. This is an incredible way to explore the rich artistic history of the Netherlands. Visitors can look forward to seeing over 1,400 pieces from Van Gogh’s body of work.
Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum, also located in the Museum Square in Amsterdam, is the national museum of the Netherlands. This impressive, must-see museum is dedicated to Dutch art and history with over 8,000 pieces on display. Upon visiting, marvel at the renovated museum and its narrative of the Netherlands from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.
Related: Enjoy free time to visit the Rijksmuseum on our Best of Eastern Europe tour!
Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam
After visiting the Rijksmuseum, the next stop on your list should certainly be the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam! Where the former focuses on Dutch history, the Stedelijk is a must-visit for its impressive modern art collection. This includes works from the greats such as Kandinsky and Picasso. The iconic red-brick Stedelijk building dates back to the late 1800s and houses one of the most impressive collections of modern and contemporary art in the Netherlands.
Anne Frank House
Located in central Amsterdam, the Anne Frank House is a unique museum that comes highly recommended to visitors of the Netherlands. This museum is dedicated to the Jewish wartime diarist Anne Frank. She kept records of her life in hiding from the Nazis taking occupation of the Netherlands. This unmissable biographical museum can be found along the Prinsengracht canal near Westerkerk.
Related: Uncover Jewish history at the Anne Frank House during your free day in Amsterdam on our Eastern Adventure tour.
Our Lord in the Attic Museum
The next must-see museum in Amsterdam is also a hidden gem of the Netherlands! Tucked away in the heart of Amsterdam, the Our Lord in the Attic Museum is an interesting combination of a canal house and a church. Visitors are in for a treat in one of the oldest museums in the city. Marvel at the striking pink interior of this well-preserved 17th-century building. Explore its narrow corridors and stairs leading to a one-of-a-kind church in the attic.
Related: The Dutch love colour! Discover why the Netherlands turns orange in April.
Eye Film Museum
For global travellers with a keen eye for film, the Eye Film Museum in Amsterdam is a must-visit! Featuring an impressive collection of preserved films, film posters and all sorts of projection equipment, the Eye Film Museum is truly a celebration of the world of moving images. Visitors can enjoy the cinema or explore the permanent exhibitions. There is even a variety of calendar events ranging from film screenings to rotating exhibitions.
National Maritime Museum
If you’re less interested in the land history of the Netherlands, the National Maritime Museum could be your new favourite! This incredible museum features an impressive collection of maritime artefacts, including artworks, navigation equipment, ship models and ocean charts. Visitors can look forward to learning more about over 500 years of Dutch maritime history. Plus, spot the East Indiaman replica docked right next to the museum.
Jewish Museum
The Jewish Museum in Amsterdam is located in the Jewish Cultural Quarter and is the only museum dedicated to Jewish history in the Netherlands. Where the Anne Frank House provides a first-person portrayal of a specific time in German Jewish history, the Jewish Museum is dedicated to the history, culture and religion not only in the Netherlands but the world. Visitors will learn about Jewish history through a collection of personal stories, artworks and rare artefacts.
Related: Check out our ultimate guide to the top attractions in the Netherlands!
Moco Museum
If modern and contemporary art is more to your liking, then the Moco Museum in Amsterdam is a top place to visit! Featuring an impressive variety of artworks from modern and contemporary masters as well as incredible sensory displays, this is a museum you simply have to experience for yourself. Visitors can look forward to seeing iconic works from Banksy, Lichtenstein and Warhol, to name a few.
Now that you’ve discovered how much history, art and culture there is to explore in Amsterdam, we hope you’re ready to book a tour and visit the Netherlands! Not only does it have an incredible array of iconic attractions and must-see sights, but it also has a rich historical and cultural narrative to uncover.
Related: Learn some essential Dutch travel phrases before your trip!
If you’d like to visit Amsterdam, embark on one of our multi-country tours visiting the Netherlands to experience life like the locals and collect life-enriching travel memories!