Do you love museums? If you do, you will find this article really helpful to guide you on museum hopping in Amsterdam!
Amsterdam is one of the most popular cities in Europe and the world and it’s easy to see why; the Dutch capital is home to a number of attractions, including a range of world-class museums. In fact, there are over 70 museums in the city, each of which has its own story and identity. This is why both locals and tourists love to go museum hopping in Amsterdam. Do note that most of these facilities prohibit guests from bringing oversized bags or luggage inside. To avoid any inconvenience, head over to an Amsterdam luggage storage facility and drop off your items there.
What are the best museums where you can go museum hopping in Amsterdam?
Whether you’re a culture vulture, history buff, an art enthusiast or you simply want a good time, there is a perfect museum to visit for you. Pro tip: If you want to save money on entrance fees, buy an Amsterdam City Card, which gives you access to virtually all of the city’s attractions (including the museums below) as well as public transportation.
Art Museums
Van Gogh Museum
Every traveler to Amsterdam has the Van Gogh Museum on his or her list of things to do in the city. One of the most renowned attractions in the whole of Europe, the museum is home to the world’s biggest collection of works created by Vincent Van Gogh. Each gallery in the museum follows a specific time in the artist’s career, which enables guests to learn about his life through the works displayed. Some of Van Gogh’s most notable works on display include The Yellow House and Sunflowers (you can view the museum’s collection here).
Rijksmuseum
This museum is the most-visited museum in the Netherlands, welcoming more than two million guests a year, and it’s no surprise why; the Rijksmuseum houses some of the most renowned international works of art – from paintings and drawings to photographs and prints. Located in Amsterdam’s Museum Square, the facility’s collection includes works by the likes of Frans Hals, Jan Steen, Johannes Vermeer, and Anthony van Dyck.
Rembrandt House (Rembrandthuis) Museum
Known locally as Rembrandthuis, this art museum is dedicated to the life and work of Dutch artist Rembrandt. The building actually served as the artist’s former residence from 1639 to 1656, before it was converted into a museum. Aside from seeing the famous artist’s works, the Rembrandt House Museum also offers guests a look into his life, works, and the Dutch Golden Age in general.
Historic and Cultural Museums
Anne Frank House
One of the most historically-significant museums you shouldn’t miss is the Anne Frank House. During World War II, Anne Frank and her family went in hiding from the Nazis at a secret attic where the museum currently is. A visit to this facility is educational and eye-opening and helps commemorate the Jewish persecution during this horrifying period in history.
Hermitage Museum
A satellite location of the original Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, the facility is focused on sharing the Russian heritage and culture. The Amsterdam branch has a rotating collection that features artifacts and artworks related to Russia’s culture. Apart from its magnificent displays, the Hermitage Museum also hosts a number of events, such as seminars and concerts.
Jewish Historical Museum
As its name suggests, this museum is the sole museum in the country that focuses on Jewish history and culture. Nestled within the city’s old Jewish quarter, the museum has a permanent collection dedicated to Judaism. In recent years, it has also hosted some temporary exhibits featuring well-known artists such as Andy Warhol, Marc Chagall, and Jozef Israels.
Contemporary Museums
Stedelijk Museum
The Stedelijk Museum is one of Amsterdam’s top modern art museums, housing one of the world’s biggest and most fascinating collections of contemporary works depicting Cubism, Expressionism, Fauvism, and Impressionism. Stedelijk has over 90,000 artworks from the 20th and 21st century on display, including pieces by artists like Jackson Pollock, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, and Andy Warhol, to name a few.
MOCO Museum
The Modern Contemporary Museum Amsterdam, popularly referred to as MOCO, is a privately-owned museum founded to highlight modern and contemporary art, particularly pop arts. Among MOCO’s highlights is its permanent collection of works by the British graffiti artist Banksy.
FOAM
The Fotografiemuseum Amsterdam, or simply FOAM, is a museum that boasts a massive collection of photographs. The museum’s objective is to educate guests about the art of photography and its many facets. Located canal-side, FOAM hosts a number of rotating exhibitions and events, including the “Foam Talent” event held annually.
Experience Museums – some of the museums that you should visit for that ultimate museum hopping in Amsterdam experience
Heineken Experience
Whether you’re a fan of beer or not, you will definitely appreciate a visit to Amsterdam’s Heineken Experience. The museum, which was a former Heineken brewery, has become one of the city’s attractions and documents the history and development of the famous Dutch beer. The Heineken Experience offers a variety of guided tours, which you can find and book here.
Sexmuseum Amsterdam Venustempel
Also known simply as Sex Museum, this attraction offers a unique experience and insight into the city’s seedy side. Found right in the heart of the city, the Sex Museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts, photographs, paintings, and other works related to sex and erotica.
Amsterdam Cheese Museum
Cheese lovers shouldn’t miss the Amsterdam Cheese Museum, which is dedicated to everything Dutch cheese. Apart from getting to sample different types of cheese, you also get the full experience by dressing up like a cheese farmer while being educated about Amsterdam’s cheese making history.
Museums for Families
NEMO Science Center
Netherland’s largest science museum, the NEMO Science Center is suitable for those traveling with their kids. The five-story complex is filled with interactive installations and displays that guests of all ages can enjoy. You can secure your tickets to NEMO here.
Micropia
No doubt one of the most unique experiences you’ll have in Amsterdam, Micropia is a microbe museum and the only one of its kind in the world. Found within the Artis Zoo, guests can observe a variety of microbes and microorganisms. The museum also features a number of eclectic exhibits such as the microbe body scanner and “kiss-o-meter”, which aim to educate people about microbes, their roles and how they are transferred from one person to another.
National Maritime Museum
The National Maritime Museum is home to a comprehensive collection of over 400,000 artifacts and items related to Dutch maritime history, such as ship models, world maps, navigation equipment and paintings. The crown jewel of the museum is the replica of the 18th-century ship known as Amsterdam.
+++++
There you go, some of the museums that you can go to do museum hopping in Amsterdam. We hope that this article will service as the ultimate guides for your museum hopping in Amsterdam journey. For more, you can also check out our Netherlands including Amsterdam travelogues here!
+++++
Sources:
https://www.timeout.com/amsterdam/things-to-do/best-museums-in-amsterdam
Amsterdam’s Must-Visit Museums
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/netherlands/amsterdam/articles/museum-hopping-in-amsterdam/
https://www.iamsterdam.com/en/see-and-do/things-to-do/museums-and-galleries/top-museums-in-amsterdam
https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-museums-in-amsterdam
https://dutchwannabe.com/best-museums-in-amsterdam/
Top 10 Museums to Visit in Amsterdam
https://chloestravelogue.com/best-amsterdam-museums/
11 Museums in Amsterdam That Will Give You A Sumptuous Taste Of Dutch Culture
+++++
Disclaimer: This is a guest post.
