Museums and galleries

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a veteran of the city's cultural scene, there's no escaping the international attraction of Amsterdam's museums. Check out these significant institutions and explore the diversity of art, history, culture and educational fun on offer!

After nightfall, a selection of Amsterdam's museums lights up the evening with extended hours and exclusive cultural events. Immerse yourself in the city's art scene after dark at these late-opening museums.

Planning a cultural family getaway can be challenging as you navigate the many exhibitions that can tire your kids out. But don't worry: this guide highlights Amsterdam’s best museums that make children part of the equation. Read on to find out where your family can soak in some culture with minimum stress and maximum fun.

Amsterdam’s museums are world-famous, and even without visiting the city, most people know about the Rijksmuseum, the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum. But did you know about the quirkier, smaller museums? Amsterdam has all sorts of unusual collections - dedicated to cats, funerals and microbes, to name just a few! If you’re the kind of person who likes to go off the beaten track, then explore some of these more unusual museums!

Whilst the blockbuster exhibitions are world-class, it’s definitely not all about the big-name museums in Amsterdam. The city’s contemporary art scene is eternally evolving, fueled by the rich programming of smaller galleries, artist-run centres and non-profit exhibition spaces. These lesser-known venues can sometimes feel a bit hidden to those not in the know, so we’ve written a round-up of some of the best spots for contemporary art in Amsterdam to get you started.

Amsterdam comes alive when the sun is out, and the last thing most people want to do is be indoors. Luckily, many cultural institutions have some hidden open-air spaces, which are just as impressive as the galleries themselves. We've listed the museums with the most beautiful secret gardens and outdoor spaces in the city so you can get your arty fix and some Vitamin D in the process.

Amsterdam is quickly evolving into a real hotspot for photography in Europe. Not only is the city home to internationally-renowned museums like Foam, but there are a plethora of first-rate galleries dedicated to the medium. Throughout the year, the city also hosts major events such as World Press Photo and Unseen Photo Fair, attracting photography lovers from around the world. Here are just a few places for you to get your photography fix in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam is a treasure trove of artistic masterpieces, showcasing the works of iconic figures like Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Vermeer, and Mondrian. With so much to explore, you’ll want to make sure you don’t skip these unmissable pieces. Dive into this curated round-up and check off the highlights on your Amsterdam bucket list!

Amsterdam’s contemporary art scene is one of the most thriving in Europe, thanks to the array of independent galleries dotted across the city. These smaller commercial spaces provide young artists with an essential platform in their early careers whilst introducing international and established names to the Dutch art market. There are always new exhibitions to discover and art events that are open to all, so here’s a handy round-up of the best spaces to start exploring. Be sure to check gallery websites before visiting in case you need to make a booking.

If you love art, the I amsterdam City Card offers a great variety of attractions and museums that shouldn't be missed during your visit to Amsterdam.