City of culture

 

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.

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!

Rembrandt at home
The Rembrandt House Museum is the only existing home and studio of the illustrious artist Rembrandt van Rijn. He was master of the house, painter, teacher and passionate collector of exotic objects, weapons and classical statues.

Stedelijk Museum
One of Europe's leading museums for modern and contemporary art, it has year-round exhibitions of contemporary artists. In 2009 the Stedelijk Museum will reopen on the Museumplein in a new building with a new vision.
During the renovation the collection will be on display in a former office building (the Stedelijk Museum CS) on the Oosterdokskade 3-5, near Central Station . All exhibitions at this temporary location are dedicated to contemporary art and design after 1968.

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
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.

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.

Tropen Museum
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.