14x museums in Amsterdam that you really must visit
Admire paintings by Rembrandt or discover digital media art? Amsterdam is bursting with museums! Our capital is rich in history and culture and now has more than 60 museums. There is something for everyone! We have listed 14 gems for you.
Anne Frank's Secret Annex
The Anne Frank House is perhaps the most impressive museum in the Netherlands! During the Second World War, Anne Frank and her family and another Jewish family were in hiding for over two years in a secret annex on the Prinsengracht in Amsterdam. During a visit to the museum, you will discover the stories she wrote in her world-famous diary. Do you want to visit the Anne Frank House? The museum is located on the Westermarkt and a visit to the secret annex takes an average of one hour.
Modern and contemporary art at Moco Museum
Do you like modern and contemporary art? Then you've come to the right place at Moco Museum! The Moco Museum focuses on street art, pop art and contemporary art by various artists such as street artist Banksy and digital art by Studio Irma. A museum fun for young and old, even if you're not an art lover. Did you know that the Moco Museum doesn't only have a branch in Amsterdam? If you ever go to Barcelona, be sure to visit the museum there. The Moco Museum is located on Honthorststraat (Museumplein) and a visit takes about 1.5 hours.
The largest maritime collection at the Maritime Museum
One of the largest, most prominent maritime collections in the world can be found in the Maritime Museum Amsterdam! The museum displays a collection of some 400,000 objects including ship models, paintings and nautical charts. Discover 500 years of Dutch maritime history.
Discover the human body at Body Worlds
Go on a fascinating journey through the human body at Body Worlds! Discover everything about anatomy and the effect of happiness on your body. Did you know that this museum has more than 200 real plastinated bodies that teach you everything about the body? For example, learn how many blood vessels a human has and how our organs work. It is an interactive show that is fun for young and old. The recommended age is from 6 years. Allow about 2 hours for a visit to Body Worlds, so you can be sure that you have really seen everything. The address of the museum is Damrak 66, ideal for those coming via Amsterdam Central Station!
Photo: City Sightseeing Amsterdam
Admire a wide collection of art at the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam
For works of art by Mondrian, Picasso and Yayoi Kusama, you should definitely visit the Stedelijk Museum. The museum with a large collection of the best modern and contemporary art that the Netherlands has to offer. With approximately 90,000 works from painting, sculpture, photography, film and video art, works on paper, art books and graphics. For current exhibitions, be sure to check the website of the Stedelijk Museum. The museum is open daily from 10:00 - 18:00. Are you younger than 18? Then you're in luck, because for children and young people up to 19 years old, the Stedelijk Museum is free!
Among the celebrities at Madame Tussauds
Singing the stars from the sky with Harry Stiles, reenacting the Titanic with Leonardo DiCaprio or having a skating match against Jutta Leerdam? Come face to face with dozens of celebrities at Madame Tussauds! Who are all in this world-famous wax museum? Meet famous political leaders, historical figures and famous pop stars with whom you can have your picture taken. An average visit to Madame Tussauds takes about an hour. If you have a museum card, you can score your ticket with a 25% discount!
Experience the fascinating science and technology in the NEMO Science Museum
How is lightning created? Why do you sometimes see things that aren't there? How are bridges built? Get answers to all these scientific and technological questions at the NEMO Science Museum! With no fewer than five floors, both young and old can experience science through experiments and exhibitions. Nemo immediately stands out from the outside with its unique and futuristic design. With the shape of a ship, this museum cannot be missed. Did you know that you have a beautiful view of the center of Amsterdam from the roof terrace? Be sure to take a look there too.
Discover Dutch Golden Heritage at the Rijksmuseum
Dive into art and history! The Netherlands is rich in iconic painters from the Golden Age and we are very proud of this. With more than 800 years of Dutch history, the Rijksmuseum shows works by great Dutch masters such as Rembrandt van Rijn, Johannes Vermeer and Frans Hals. The most famous painting in the Rijksmuseum is 'The Night Watch' by Rembrandt. A picture that you really cannot miss.
Ripley's Believe It or Not!
The museum where curiosity comes to life! At Ripley's Believe It or Not you can discover all the rare works of art collected by the curious explorer and world traveler Robert Ripley. For example, stand next to the tallest man who ever walked the earth or play with optical illusions and interactive brain games.
Photo: GetYourGuide
Dive into the life of Van Gogh
Step into the world of Vincent van Gogh during a visit to the Van Gogh Museum! Why is he so important? Why did Van Gogh cut off his ear? In the museum you can admire his large collection of paintings. Discover masterpieces such as 'Sunflowers' and his self-portraits while learning more about his life and work.
Awaken the child within you at WONDR Experience
If you like taking Instagram photos, you should definitely visit WONDR Experience. A colorful and artistic playground, for young and old, where you can take the best photos in different themed areas. From roller skating to a mega ball pit ... and then finish at Pink Beach by WONDR! A pink beach where you can enjoy delicious cocktails and snacks.
Photo: WONDR Experience
Fabrique des Lumières; the place where art comes to life
See art come to life accompanied by music at Fabrique des Lumières. Various exhibitions can be seen throughout the year. Until the end of December 2023, you can step into the world of Salvador Dalí: The Endless Enigma. Fairytale, hallucinatory and dreamy works of art by this magnificent artist come at you from all sides. A visit to the new digital art center in Amsterdam is not to be missed!
Photo: Fabrique des Lumières
Taste the Heineken story
Amsterdam… the place where Heineken was born. Taste the story of the most famous beer in the world in the very first Heineken brewery: Heineken Experience! Learn all about the story of Heineken, the brewery and the beer brewing process, how to tap the perfect Heineken and raise your glass with a nice cold beer at the end of the tour.
Sharpen your senses at the Nxt Museum
Expand your view and sharpen your senses while discovering new media art at Nxt Museum. The place where technology and artistic expression come together through the use of modern technologies. Be surprised by digital media art in the form of sound, light and movement.
Photo: Amsterdam Magazine
