The 10 Best Museums in Amsterdam (2024)
Written by Cedric Rutten May 2023, updated January 2024
The capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam, is a vibrant hub of art and culture, showcasing everything from fine art to groundbreaking photography. Home to masterpieces like Van Gogh’s ‘Almond Blossom’ and Rembrandt’s ‘The Night Watch,’ the city offers a wealth of artistic treasures.
To make the most of your visit, explore these must-see museums: the Rijksmuseum, housing a vast collection of Dutch Golden Age art; the Van Gogh Museum, dedicated to the life and works of Vincent Van Gogh; and the Stedelijk Museum, renowned for modern and contemporary art.
Read the full Amsterdam Travel Guide here
Best Art Museums in Amsterdam
1. Rijksmuseum
© Eric de Redelijkheid / Flickr.com
Located in the heart of Amsterdam at the museum square, the Rijksmuseum is one of the most important museums in the Netherlands. Established in 1809, this iconic institution is dedicated to showcasing the rich history, art, and culture of the country. The museum's extensive collection features over one million objects, including paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and historical artifacts.
Among the museum’s renowned art holdings are Rembrandt’s ‘The Night Watch’ (1642), Johannes Vermeer’s ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’ (1665), and Anthony van Dyck’s ‘Portrait of Jacobus Houbraken’ (1673). Each of these masterpieces represents a pivotal moment in art history, making the Rijksmuseum a must-visit destination for art lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Address: Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam
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2. Van Gogh Museum
© E V E / Flickr.com
For art enthusiasts, a visit to the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is an essential experience. The museum houses one of the largest collections of Vincent van Gogh’s work, featuring over 200 of his paintings. This extensive collection provides a unique and comprehensive insight into Van Gogh's artistic evolution and personal life.
The museum's main building was designed by renowned Dutch architect Gerrit Rietveld and constructed between 1963 and 1964. A new wing, added by Kisho Kurokawa, complements the original design and enhances the museum’s exhibition spaces.
Address: Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam
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3. Stedelijk Museum
© Hans Griep / Flickr.com
The Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam stands as a leading institution for modern and contemporary art. Renowned for its vast and diverse collection, the museum showcases influential works in modern and contemporary art, design, and photography. Among its highlights are masterpieces by celebrated artists such as Henri Matisse, Piet Mondrian, Pablo Picasso, Jeff Koons, and Roy Lichtenstein.
To avoid long lines, we recommend booking timed tickets online before your visit. This ensures a smoother, more enjoyable exploration of the museum's exceptional exhibits.
Address: Museumplein 10, 1071 DJ Amsterdam
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Looking for hotels in Amsterdam? Read our guides on the best luxury design and boutique design hotels in Amsterdam
© Foam Photography Museum
The Foam Photography Museum in Amsterdam is a premier destination for contemporary photography. Established in 2001, Foam has quickly become one of Europe’s leading institutions dedicated to showcasing and celebrating the art of photography. The museum is renowned for its engaging and thought-provoking collection and exhibitions that highlight the diverse and evolving field of photography.
Notable artists whose work has been showcased at Foam include Paul Kooiker, Ernest Cole, and Mous Lamrabat.
Address: Keizersgracht 609, 1017 DS Amsterdam
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5. Eye Film Museum
© Eye Film Museum
The Eye Film Museum in Amsterdam is a must-visit for film enthusiasts and anyone interested in the rich history of cinema. Established as a major cultural landmark, the museum showcases the art and evolution of film within a striking building designed by Delugan Meissl Associated Architects.
Home to a vast collection of over 50,000 films, the Eye Film Museum spans the entire history of cinema, from silent films to modern blockbusters. Its collection includes notable works from Dutch, European, and avant-garde cinema, offering a comprehensive look at global film history.
Address: IJpromenade 1, 1031 KT Amsterdam
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6. Huis Marseille Photography Museum
© Huis Marseille, Museum for Photography, via Wikimedia Commons
Spread over two 17th-century canal houses in Amsterdam's charming Jordaan district, Huis Marseille is a hidden gem for photography aficionados. This captivating museum offers an immersive journey through the art of photography, with a focus on both contemporary and historical works.
The museum’s extensive collection of over 10,000 photographs spans from the 19th century to today, showcasing a rich tapestry of visual storytelling. Here, you’ll find iconic images by legendary photographers like Ed van der Elsken, Henri Cartier-Bresson, and Rineke Dijkstra, as well as compelling pieces from emerging talents whose work is poised to make its mark.
Address: Keizersgracht 401, 1016 EK Amsterdam
7. W139
© W139
W139 in Amsterdam is a dynamic contemporary art space that pulses with creativity and innovation. Since its inception in 1979 as an artist-run collective, W139 has blossomed into a vibrant multidisciplinary platform that embraces a wide spectrum of artistic expressions.
From thought-provoking exhibitions and experimental performances to inspiring lectures and hands-on workshops, W139 is a hub where art and ideas converge. Its ever-evolving program reflects a commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring new artistic frontiers.
Address: Warmoesstraat 139, 1012 JB Amsterdam
8. Pakt (P/////AKT)
© (P/////AKT)
P/////AKT is Amsterdam’s avant-garde art haven, located in a historic building in the vibrant Jordaan district. As a contemporary art institution, P/////AKT is dedicated to showcasing both emerging and established artists who push the boundaries of innovation and experimentation.
With its trio of unique exhibition spaces, P/////AKT provides a dynamic platform where artists are encouraged to explore bold and unconventional ideas. Operating on a non-profit basis, the institution offers a liberating environment for creative risk-taking, free from the constraints of commercial pressures.
Address: Zeeburgerpad 53, 1019 AB Amsterdam
More art and design in Amsterdam? Read our article on the best architecture and design in Amsterdam
9. Cobra Museum of Modern Art
© Cobra Museum of Modern Art
The Cobra Museum of Modern Art in Amstelveen, just outside Amsterdam, is a vibrant cultural hub dedicated to the influential Cobra art movement, which flourished in Europe between 1948 and 1951.
We love that this museum offers an extensive collection of Cobra artworks, featuring various paintings, sculptures, and works on paper by key figures of the movement. Designed by renowned Dutch architect Wim Quist, the museum's striking architecture complements its dynamic collection, creating a space where art and design harmoniously converge.
Address: Sandbergplein 1, 1181 ZX Amstelveen
More travel plans? Read all our travel guides here
10. Street Art Museum Amsterdam (STRAAT)
© Marion Golstejn, via Wikimedia Commons
The Street Art Museum Amsterdam (STRAAT) is a groundbreaking institution dedicated to elevating street art to its rightful place within contemporary art. Located in a sprawling warehouse in the historic NDSM shipyard, STRAAT boasts an impressive 86,000 square feet of exhibition space that is itself a canvas for artistic expression.
As a non-profit museum, STRAAT showcases an eclectic and diverse collection of street art from around the globe. With over 150 pieces by more than 130 visionary artists from 32 countries, the museum offers a vibrant snapshot of the dynamic and ever-evolving world of street art.
The museum’s exterior features a striking array of murals, including a captivating kaleidoscope portrait of Anne Frank by the acclaimed Brazilian artist Eduardo Kobra. STRAAT provides an immersive experience where street art’s raw energy and creativity are celebrated in a space as bold and innovative as the art it houses.
Address: NDSM-Plein 1, 1033 WC Amsterdam
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