Designed by Pierre Cuypers and opened in 1885, the Rijksmuseum holds the country’s largest collection of art and artefacts, including 22 Rembrandts and four Vermeers. The museum’s 80 galleries showcase 800 years of Dutch art and historical objects, as well as decorative and Asian art, which has its own pavilion. But the biggest draw is the collection of Golden Age jewels such as Rembrandt’s ‘Night Watch’ – currently undergoing major restoration – and Vermeer’s ‘The Milkmaid’ and ‘Woman Reading a Letter’, alongside other masterpieces by Frans Hals and Jan Steen.
If you are an art lover, Amsterdam is the city for you. Even if you are somewhat ambivalent towards art, the Dutch capital demands a visit, packed as it is with famous attractions, curious coffeeshops and all the rest. The best art galleries and museums in Amsterdam make devotees out of the cynical. Don’t believe us? O ye of little faith. Prepare to have your world turned upside down.
Amsterdam’s roster of art museums and galleries is the envy of cities around the world, and many of history’s greatest artistic minds find a home throughout the Dutch capital. Amsterdam is awesome in every possible way.