Museums in Amsterdam – From the best known to the inside tips
Amsterdam has more than 100 Museums & Exhibitions. We have selected the best ones for you.
Amsterdam boasts a remarkable abundance of museums, offering a wide range of experiences. From classic art galleries to historical exhibitions, exotic collections to unusual showcases, and interactive wonders, the city presents an unparalleled variety of museum options to explore and indulge in.
Amsterdam’s Museums are the highlight of any visit to the city, offering a rich cultural experience. Renowned for their extensive collections and stunning architecture, museums like the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Anne Frank House provide unique insights into Dutch art, history, and heritage. Their world-class exhibits make Amsterdam a must-visit destination for art and history enthusiasts. Here are the best museums in Amsterdam.
TOP 3 Museums in Amsterdam
If you have a short time in Amsterdam and want to visit only the most famous museums, here they are:
- Rijksmuseum: Amsterdam’s largest art museum with more than 8,000 pieces. – See Details / Book Now
- Anne Frank House: The original house where Anne Frank and her family lived during the Nazi occupation. See Details / Book Now
- Van Gogh Museum: The world’s largest collection of Van Gogh’s works, drawings, and letters. See Details / Book Now
All Museums in Amsterdam by category:
If you are not sure what kind of museum in Amsterdam you want to visit, we have separated the museums in Amsterdam by categories. That way you get an overview of the themes and types of museums that the Dutch capital offers.
- TOP 5 Museums em Amsterdam
- The most famous Art Museums in Amsterdam
- The best Science Museums in Amsterdam
- The most famous Historical Museums in Amsterdam
- The best Museums in Amsterdam for kids
- The most fun museums in Amsterdam
- The strangest and most exotic museums in Amsterdam
The Top 5 Museums in Amsterdam
The Top 5 museums in Amsterdam are considered the most visited, the most famous, and also belong to our top 5 favorite museums in Amsterdam. If you are in doubt about which museum you should visit during your first visit to Amsterdam, check below the list of the top 5 museums in Amsterdam:
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01 Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is visited by 2.2 million people annually, making it the most visited museum in Amsterdam and in the Netherlands. The building alone is imposing and worth seeing. The Rijksmuseum is dedicated to the Netherlands’ arts, crafts, and history and contains over 8,000 objects. The focus of the museum is the Netherlands’ Golden Age. This a unique opportunity for you to admire works up close that are among the most important in the world.
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02 Anne Frank House
Anne Frank’s House in Amsterdam is visited by 1.3 million people every year. This is the former hiding place of the Frank family during WWII. The Anne Frank Museum is where she wrote her diaries, now known worldwide, and the pieces of information that allowed readers to learn about her life and fate during the Nazi era.
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03 Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is the largest Dutch painter Van Gogh collection, totaling over 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and hundreds of documents. Known worldwide as the painter who cut off his ear and who later killed himself, Van Gogh’s life traces back to a man who suffered greatly from depression and sold few works during his lifetime. Ironically, his works are now the most expensive in the world. No wonder a visit to the museum belongs to the list of the best Museums in Amsterdam!
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04 Stedelijk Museum
The Stedelijk Museum is Amsterdam’s Museum of Modern Art. The Stedelijk Museum offers about 90,000 exhibits ranging from the end of the 19th century to the present day. Among them are many well-known works of art by Dutch artists of the last century, from classical modernism to German expressionism and American pop art.
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05 Moco Museum
Although small in comparison with the other Museums in Amsterdam, the Moco Museum is smaller, but much visited. The exhibits at the Moco Museum include works by world-famous artists, but among the biggest attractions at the Moco Museum in Amsterdam is undoubtedly the work of the mysterious Banksy.
The most famous Art Museums in Amsterdam
If you are interested in art and like to visit excellent museums dedicated to the artistic world, you should know that Amsterdam offers numerous Art Museums in the city. However the options for Art Museums in Amsterdam are numerous, so it is worth checking which of the Art Museums you want to visit.
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Moco Museum
Museum in Museumplein
Among the best art museums in Amsterdam is the Moco Museum. The Moco Museum surprises not only for its collection of canvases, but also for its collection of Street Art pieces, and also surprises you with its Digital Immersive Art Exhibition. Here visitors walk through incredible displays of lights, and technological panels.
Moco Museum offers visitors an incomparable collection of provocative art in which irony and humor are used to reflect on modern society. A unique experience intended for a broad audience, a visit to the Moco is to see things in a new way. The exhibits at the Moco Museum include works by world-famous artists, but among the biggest attractions at the Moco Museum in Amsterdam is undoubtedly the work of the mysterious Banksy. Moco Museum tickets can be purchased online as separate tickets. You can also use one of Amsterdam’s sightseeing passes.
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Van Gogh Museum
Museum in Museumplein
The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is one of the most visited art museums in the world. It hosts the largest Dutch painter Van Gogh collection, totaling over 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and hundreds of documents. Here, you will find not only his works of art but also a lot of information about the painter’s life, who also influenced art history.
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Street Art Museum Amsterdam (STRAAT Museum)
Museum in NDSM
In the middle of the alternative NDSM neighborhood is the Amsterdam Street Art Museum. Unlike traditional museums with a curator and a direction team, the Straat Museum is a community cooperation where various artists always present new expressions of the streets. Altogether there are more than 300 panels of street art, among them the grandiose street painting of Anne Frank by the world-renowned Kobra.
The works at the Straat Museum are composed of graffiti, canvases, sculptures and all in a super open and alternative space.
The large shed where is located on the north side of Amsterdam, easily reached by a free ferry from Central Station to the NDSM station.
The best Science Museums in Amsterdam
Are you interested in science? Do you like experiments and museums that allow you to interact with the exhibition? Here are the most amazing Science Museums in Amsterdam.
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Nemo Science Museum
Museum in IJ Waterfront
The Nemo Science Museum is an excellent Amsterdam museum for adults and children because, here, interaction is essential. Instead of walking through the museum and looking at numerous exhibitions, you can participate here, touch and try out. This is what makes the museum particularly interesting for families. On four levels, you can explore different areas of physics, biology, chemistry, and technology and participate in experiments and exciting shows.
Incidentally, the NEMO Science Museum stands for New Metropolis. It found inspiration in the 1920s film of the same name, in which Fritz Lang showed an impressive future world. The building itself resembles a giant ship. So you can’t miss it. During your visit, remember to explore the roof terrace. From there, you’ll have a great view of the city!
The Nemo Science Museum is considered one of the best things to do in Amsterdam. That’s why the ticket for the museum is included in some Amsterdam Sightseeing Passes.
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ARTIS Micropia
Museum in Plantage
A zoo? Yes, this is a zoo of living things that are invisible to the human eye. Micropia discovers a world that few have the opportunity to see.
Through a very visual and technological exhibition, where visitors have the possibility to see a world behind the microscope.
You can even scan your body and understand a little of what happens on a microscopic scale.Entrance to Micropia is included in the I Amsterdam Card or as a single ticket. Reserve at least 1 hour to visit Micropia.
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Body Worlds Amsterdam
Museum in Amsterdam Old City
One of the more unique museums in a city full of stand-out showcases to history, science, and art, Body Worlds Amsterdam is a tribute to the human body. Equal parts fun and informative, you’ll enjoy a visit through the human body, with over 200 real human bodies on display.
The current theme right now is the Happiness Project, with expositions dedicated to showing the effects of happiness on our physical well-being, how our mood affects our health, and how our health affects our mood. This is a fascinating stop for visitors of all ages.
The most famous Historical Museums in Amsterdam
What are the stories told in Amsterdam’s museums? Countless. The Amsterdam Historical Museums range from stories of the Second World War to the history of Amsterdam’s Maritime development. Depending on your interests, you will find many great museums to visit.
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Anne Frank House
Museum in Jordaan
This Amsterdam Historical Museum tells one of the most moving stories of World War II. The touching Anne Frank House is located in more than just any building. Instead, it’s a building of refuge: The former hiding place of the Frank family during WWII. This is where she wrote her diaries, now known worldwide, and the pieces of information that allowed readers to learn about her life and fate during the Nazi era. Anne Frank’s house in Amsterdam is visited by 1.3 million people every year. If you want to visit the house at a less crowded time, you should book your visit starting at 6 p.m. Tickets to visit the Anne Frank House can only be purchased through the official website and are not included in the Amsterdam Sightseeing Passes.
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Allard Pierson Museum of Antiquities
Museum in Red light District
The Allard Pierson Museum of Antiquities is the archaeological museum of Amsterdam. It is located in an imposing building in the De Wallen district and features pieces from Greek, Roman and Egyptian cultures. The museum’s beautiful rooms display ceramics, sculptures, sarcophagi, glass tablets and much more.
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Museum of WWII Dutch Resistance (Verzetsmuseum Amsterdam)
Museum in Plantage
It is natural to be curious about life and events during World War II. It is precisely this period of history that is told in the WWII Resistance Museum. What happened to the Netherlands during the Nazi occupation? How did the Dutch fight against Germany’s impositions? What are the personal and private histories that were only recognized after the end of the war? This and hundreds of other stories are told in the Verzetsmuseum Amsterdam (Museum of WWII Resistance). The Museum of Resistance tells through articles, posters, books and letters the stories of many Dutch people who fought against Nazism.
Itinerary to Amsterdam
How to fit Amsterdam’s best Museums and other Activities into your travel plan? Use My Travel! Our tool helps you efficiently and conveniently put together your Amsterdam travel itinerary. Just add the museums and other favorite spots to myTravel and organize your trip day by day according to proximity, interest or preference. That’s it! Your travel planner is ready and personalized by you.
The best Museums in Amsterdam for kids
A trip to Amsterdam with children? Find out which are the best Museums in Amsterdam to enjoy with kids and family. We have selected those museums that offer a relaxed, fun, and ideal experience to enjoy with kids.
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Ripley's Believe It or Not in Amsterdam
Museum in Red light District
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is an attraction that exists in several cities around the world. In Amsterdam, Ripley’s Believe It or Not offers a fun activity that you can enjoy especially with kids. Here you’ll find many fun scenarios to photograph, large replicas of superheroes, interactive activities, and exhibits about curious and exotic facts from around the world. Did you know that the longest nails in the world are almost 1 meter long? If you’re in Amsterdam looking for a fun activity with kids or a relaxing attraction on a rainy day, Ripley’s Believe It or Not is a great option in Amsterdam.
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Madame Tussauds Amsterdam
Museum in Dam Square
Madame Tussauds is a visitor magnet in every big city – and Amsterdam is no exception. In the Dutch capital, Madame Tussauds is located directly on the central Dam Square, where the Royal Palace is also located.
At the waxworks, you’ll meet the world’s most famous celebrities, from Michael Jackson and Lady Gaga to Dutch artists. To be deceptively real, photos with the stars make for great souvenirs of your trip. But just when you tell yourself that the characters aren’t real, animations and sounds keep trying to convince you otherwise.
If you don’t want to stand in line at Madame Tussauds, you should book your tickets in advance! I advise you to do this whenever tickets for an attraction are available online. This will save you valuable time and a lot of stress in Amsterdam.
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WONDR Experience in Amsterdam
Museum in Buiksloterham
Can you call the WONDR Experience a museum? We don’t really know how to categorize this experience that is perfect for adults, teenagers and children.
A museum surrounded by different colorful, Instagrammable, interactive rooms. The place is perfect for those traveling with children and want a light and fun activity.
If you love photos, we also guarantee one of the BEST museums to ensure great photos of your trip.
The most fun Museums in Amsterdam
Do you want to get off the beaten path of the classic Amsterdam Museums and want to experience the city’s most fun museums? Here we have selected the most fun, interactive, and creative museums for your trip.
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Nxt Museum - Amsterdam Digital Art Museum
Museum in Buiksloterham
Is it possible to create boundaries between the digital and the physical? That is the challenge of NXT Museum, The Museum of Digital Art Amsterdam. Located in a former TV station, this museum surprises with its giant technological exhibition that mixes Art and Technology.
With sensory experiences, the NXT Museum investigates the next steps in a world that every day develops faster and faster in terms of technology. Besides provoking questions about our life in a digital and physical world, NXT is a unique experience in Amsterdam.
The name of the museum, NXT, comes from the word NEXT! What else is coming?
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Eye Film Museum (EYE Film Instituut Nederland)
Museum in Buiksloterham
Not only one of the best museums in Amsterdam, but the Eye Film Museum is the only museum dedicated to national and international cinematography. In all, visitors can find more than 55,000 films on file.
In addition to an impressive collection of film archives, visitors will also find photos, artifacts, and numerous electronic panels that show in a technological way the greatest and most important scenes in the history of cinema.
Another highlight of the Eye Film Museum in Amsterdam is being able to follow the evolution of cinema. From films based on moving pictures to the latest developments in special effects.
The EYE Film Instituut Nederland (Eye Film Museum) is located on the north side of Amsterdam. Aboard a free ferry leaving from Central Station, visitors cross the IJ River and arrive very close to the EYE Film.
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Fabrique des Lumières in Amsterdam
Museum in Westerpark Amsterdam
Amsterdam is known for its vibrant art scene and cultural attractions, and one place that stands out is the Fabrique des Lumières.
The Fabrique des Lumièress exhibitions offers an enchanting and immersive journey into the world of digital art. With its captivating exhibitions, vibrant visuals, and breathtaking soundscapes, this attraction is a must-visit for art enthusiasts, families, and anyone seeking a unique and sensory experience.
The exotic Museums of Amsterdam
Amsterdam offers many provocative and different attractions. Many museums in Amsterdam catch the visitor’s attention because of their themes, their collections or their architecture. Here are some of the strangest museums in Amsterdam
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Red Light Secrets Museum (Museum of Prostitution)
Museum in Red light District
Red Light Secrets Museum is also known as the Museum of Prostitution. The museum is located in the building of a famous brothel in Amsterdam and is a great alternative for those who want to take a look behind the oldest profession in the world. Here you can see what it’s like to sit in one of the sex windows and be watched. The museum also addresses serious and controversial issues that are part of sex workers’ lives. Without glamorizing, but also without judging, the Museum of Prostitution tells a bit of the story and what goes on behind the many windows in Amsterdam’s red light district.
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Amsterdam Diamond Museum
Museum in Museumplein
Valuable, historic, and highly desired: Diamonds are part of the history of humanity. Whether in royal families, in the exhausting search for mines or on the finger of a newly engaged bride, diamonds have always generated curiosity. The Diamond Museum in Amsterdam presents hundreds of these precious and admired stones from all over the world. The most famous diamond pieces in the world have been given impressive replicas here.
Did you know that Amsterdam is all about diamonds? The city has a long history since the 16th century of importing, cutting and selling diamonds all over Europe. Here, at the Diamond Museum, you can see a part of that history, from historical to unusual diamond studded pieces.
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Hasch Marihuana & Hanf Museum
Museum in De Wallen
A hash museum? That’s right! Since the 1980s, the Hemp Museum exists in Amsterdam’s red light district “De Wallen” and is entirely dedicated to the cannabis plant. It is the very first museum of its kind. Because it gained popularity so quickly, the Hemp Museum expanded to Barcelona just a little later.
Here you will be surprised by the versatility of the plant and learn how it is made and used. Part of the museum is also a hemp gallery that exhibits art by painters and photographers.
Frequently asked questions about Museums in Amsterdam
What is the famous museum in Amsterdam?
The Rijksmuseum is considered the most famous and well-known museum in Amsterdam. The Rijksmuseum is an art museum known for its grandiose building that is a landmark of the city.
How many museums are there in Amsterdam?
There are more than 60 museums in Amsterdam.
What are the best-known museums in Amsterdam?
- Rijksmuseum
- Van Gogh Museum
- Anne Frank House
- Moco Museum
- Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam
What are the best art museums in Amsterdam?
- Rijksmuseum
- Van Gogh Museum
- Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam
What are the best Science Museums in Amsterdam?
- Nemo Science Museum
- Tropic Museum in Amsterdam (Tropenmuseum)
- Micropia Amsterdam
What are the best history museums in Amsterdam?
- Anne Frank House
- Amsterdam Museum
- Museum of WWII Resistance (Verzetsmuseum Amsterdam)
What are the most beautiful museums in Amsterdam?
- Rijksmuseum
- The National Maritime Museum
- Our Lord in the Attic Museum (Former Hidden Catholic Church)
What are the best museums am Amsterdam for children and families?
- Nemo Science Museum
- Moco Museum
- Amsterdam Madame Tussauds
- Amsterdam Dungeon
- WONDR Experience
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