Explore this art-obsessed city through the very best museums in Amsterdam, from the Stedelijk to the Rijksmuseum
One of the biggest questions confronting us when we plan a trip to Amsterdam is ‘How on earth do I choose which museum to go to first?’. This city has an abundance of great museums, from Van Gogh to Anne Frank Huis (which both require a bit of forward planning, as they sometimes book up months in advance), and plenty more you've probably never heard of.
But if you're wondering about which museums to prioritise, rest assured that our local writer has been to them all. Small ones, big ones, ones floating on the water, you name it. Simply read on for everything you need to know about the best museums in Amsterdam (oh, and if you're more of an exclusively art person, try our list of the best galleries in Amsterdam on for size).
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This guide was updated by Callum Booth, a writer based in Amsterdam. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.
What is it? Home to more than 1,400 pieces of Vincent van Gogh’s work, including 200-odd paintings, this is the most visited museum in town – ironic, considering the artist was never acclaimed in his own time.
Why go? If seeing the artist’s ‘Sunflowers’ paintings in real life is on your bucket list, this spot is not to be missed. But it’s also worth a visit to learn more about van Gogh’s tumultuous private life and discover his lesser-known works.
What is it? Amsterdam’s most renowned museum, sat huge at Museum Square, which is quite something to behold. Featuring ancient sculptures, paintings, antique furniture and more from the 18th to 21st century.
Why go? The kind of place where you come for the incredible art collections, from Rembrandt to Frans Hals, but you stay for the magic of the venue itself. We’re talking ornate stained glass windows. We’re talking perfectly manicured gardens. We’re talking about a Michelin-starred restaurant on site (yep, you heard us).
What is it? A modern art museum home to more than 90,000 eclectic pieces. In addition to its thought-provoking rotating exhibitions, Stedelijk Base presents some of modern art’s greatest hits (think Picasso, Koons, Lichtenstein and more).
Why go? Despite its premium Museum Square location and eye-catching bathtub-shaped exterior, there’s significantly less foot traffic here than in the other major museums. It means no jostling to get a look at Mondrian.
What is it? A canal-side photography museum that hosts a rotating series of exhibitions and champions the work of up-and-coming photographers at its annual ‘Foam Talent’ event.
Why go? Had your fill of Dutch Masters? Seen enough van Gogh to last a lifetime? Foam is the place for when you’re looking to shift gears and discover the world through a fresh lens.
What is it? The Dutch are masters of the water, largely out of necessity (Amsterdam’s canals keep the sea-level city from sinking) but also because they’re entrepreneurial – see the Dutch East India Company or VOC. The National Maritime Museum reflects both sides of this obsession.
Why go? This one’s great for families, with enough fascinating exhibits and installations to avoid a holiday mutiny. There’s also a replica VOC ship docked outside the main building that’s ripe for exploring.
What is it? One of the only museums in Amsterdam you’ll have to stand in line for, it’s worth the wait to take a sobering look at not only the attic where Anne Frank and her family hid in Nazi-occupied Holland but also the exhibition detailing Jewish war-time persecution.
Why go? On the picturesque Prinsengracht and next door to the monumental Westerkerk, it’s a sombre reminder of the horrors of the Second World War but also a moving tribute to Frank’s indefatigable optimism.
What is it? In the attic of this unsuspecting house-turned-museum – preserved to show visitors what a typical 17th-century Dutch house looked like – lies a highly Instagrammable pink Catholic church with epic views across the city centre.
Why go? It’s an Amsterdam history lesson of a different kind. By law, non-Calvinist public worship was prohibited at the time, so though it’s not the only Dutch home with a concealed church, it’s easily the most beautiful.
What is it? A museum dedicated to microbes, our tiny, tiny friends. This science museum in the east of Amsterdam shines light on the invisible life that surrounds us – and does so in a hugely entertaining way.
Why go? Well, Micropia is literally the only museum of this kind in the world. If you have even just a passing interest in science and the natural world, you’re going to have an excellent time meandering through the engaging, interactive, and downright fun exhibits on display. There’s even a section where you can smell things.
Formerly the Jewish Historical Museum, the Jewish Museum + Junior is full of religious paraphernalia, photographs and paintings detailing the rich history of Jews and Judaism in the Netherlands. Housed since 1987 in four former synagogues in the old Jewish quarter, the permanent displays focus on religious practice and Dutch Jewish culture; among the exhibits is the painted autobiography of artist Charlotte Salomon, killed at Auschwitz at the age of 26. An excellent children's wing crams interactive exhibits on aspects of Jewish culture (including a nice one on music) into its space.
What is it? A satellite of the world-famous Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, this museum hosts regular exhibitions focusing on Dutch art and history but also on Russian culture.
Why go? Thanks to the Russian outpost’s prestige, this museum has impressive pulling power. Past hits have included shows on Italian neoclassical works and Dutch Golden Age portraits.
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