Amsterdam has over 40 museums featuring everything from the finest Dutch Masters paintings to contemporary design. Its many famous art collections which include Van Gogh and Rembrandt are definitely worth a visit. We have short-listed some 'must see' collections below. 

In 2009 Amsterdam is an Art City. The city is brimming over with cultural attractions. There are a tremendous range of remarkable exhibitions for you to visit. Find the full programme on www.amsterdamartcity.com  

Hermitage Amsterdam

Hermitage Amsterdam is to become the most important branch of the internationally renowned museum of the same name in Saint Petersburg. Each year, Hermitage Amsterdam will present a number of remarkable exhibitions featuring works from the vast collection of the Hermitage in Saint Petersburg. The spectacular opening exhibition Russian Court Life can be visited from 20 June 2009 until the end of January 2010. 

Rijksmuseum, The Masterpieces

See paintings by Rembrandt, Vermeer and Frans Hals displayed in conjunction with the finest craftsmanship of the 17th century including impressive Delftware, sculptures and silverware. A true glimpse of the Golden Age!

Stedelijk Museum

One of Europe's leading museums for modern and contemporary art, it has year-round exhibitions of contemporary artists. In 2010 the Stedelijk Museum will reopen on the Museumplein in a new building with a new vision. In the mean time the museum is organising exhibitions, projects, workshops and other activities throughout Amsterdam.

Van Gogh Museum

Vincent van Gogh (1853 - 1890) left the world some 860 paintings, a great selection of which can be seen at the Van Gogh Museum. This includes many of Van Gogh’s greatest works like the Sunflowers and Potato Eaters, but also boasts works by Van Gogh's contemporaries like Toulouse-Lautrec, Pisarro, Gauguin and Manet.

Amstelkring Museum - Our Lord in the Attic

The unique atmosphere in this museum – a 17th century house with a secret chapel- astonishes visitors every time. Its parlour is the only one of its kind to have survived in Amsterdam.

Science center NEMO

NEMO is the biggest science centre in Holland; an educational attraction where you can discover a world of science and technology in an entertaining way. NEMO takes you on a voyage of discovery between fantasy and reality.

Museum of Bags and Purses

The Tassenmuseum Hendrikje (Museum of Bags and Purses) is the only museum in the world that houses such an extensive and specialised collection. The collection comprises some 3500 items spanning 500 years.

Foam 

Foam is a centre for photography in all forms: independent, documentary, applied, historical and contemporary. It is a museum with an international allure and creative hub where photographers can meet and participate in forums and symposiums. The museum showcases young talent in addition to many big name photographers.

The Jewish Historical Museum

The Jewish Historical Museum collects objects and works of art associated with the religion, culture and history of the Jews in the Netherlands and its former colonies. These items are held by the museum and the Resource Centre.

Tropenmuseum

The Tropenmuseum is the most fascinating anthropological museum of the Netherlands. Journey through time and around the world. Get acquainted with different cultures and with everyday life in the tropics.

Amsterdam City Archive

The Amsterdam City Archive recently moved to the former headquarters of the Netherlands Trade Union. ‘De Bazel’ is a monumental 20th century building. Daily tours include the safe of the former bank, and the incredible Art Deco décor rooms. Everything to do with the history of the city is here: on prints, photos, cards and in the archives. Showpieces include those relating to or from John Lennon, Karl Marx and Anne Frank. Historic films from the 20s and 30s are screened in the cinema located in the cellar.
Museum het Schip - about the Amsterdamse School
The most expressionist apartment block is popularly known as Het Schip (The Ship). That block is one of the best examples of the Amsterdam School architectural movement of the early 20th century. The museum is dedicated to the Amsterdam School architectural style in a social, political and artistic context.

The Anne Frank House

The former hiding place, where Anne Frank wrote her diary, is now a well-known museum. The museum tells the history of the eight people in hiding and those who helped them during the war. Anne Frank's diary is among the original objects on display.