Amsterdam's major museums
8 October 2026
Image from Koen Smilde
Famous artworks in Amsterdam you shouldn't miss
Last updated on 28 September 2026 at 14:05
Written by Lesia JoukovaReading time: 5 minutes
Amsterdam is a treasure trove of arty masterpieces, showcasing the works of celebrated figures like Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Vermeer, and Mondrian. Don't miss the Sunflowers at the Van Gogh Museum and The Night Watch and The Milkmaid at the Rijksmuseum, as well as Composition No. IV at the Stedelijk.
Explore iconic masterpieces at major museums with the I amsterdam City Card. With 60+ museums and attractions, cardholders can visit the Rijksmuseum, Moco Museum, Stedelijk, and others for free.
Get your cardSunflowers, Vincent van Gogh
Image from Koen Smilde
Vincent van Gogh is arguably the most famous of Dutch artists, and his series of sunflowers are among his most celebrated. In the Van Gogh Museum, you get the chance to see one of the five in the series – the rest of these golden masterpieces are scattered across the globe. If seeing all five is on your bucket list, you’re in luck: with the help of Willem van Gogh, the great-grandnephew of Vincent van Gogh, you can get a virtual 360-degree tour of all five on Facebook. The museum also holds a vast collection of iconic paintings including The Potato Eaters, The Bedroom, and Almond Blossoms. And one of Van Gogh's famous self-portraits is on show at the Rijksmuseum too.
Where can I see it? Van Gogh Museum, which is also one of the stops on our art lover's walking route for City Card holders.
The Night Watch, Rembrandt van Rijn
Image from Koen Smilde
There is more than one reason that The Night Watch get its own room in the Rijksmuseum: not only is the painting gigantic (3.63 by 4.37 metres, or nearly 12 by 14 feet), it’s gigantically famous. The Night Watch Gallery, especially designed to showcase the painting, is often filled with dozens of eager viewers. Join the throng to admire all the details of the iconic painting – and the room itself – though don't miss out on some of the other Rijksmuseum highlights.
Where can I see it? Rijksmuseum – included in the I amsterdam City Card
The Milkmaid, Johannes Vermeer
Image from Johannes Vermeer
The 17th century was a grand time for artists, and dozens of painters produced some of the world’s best works of art. The Milkmaid is one of the most recognisable works from Vermeer, and it’s considered a prize of the Rijksmuseum, with its exquisite natural lighting and realistic depiction of country life.
Where can I see it? Rijksmuseum – included in the I amsterdam City Card
Composition No. IV With Red, Blue and Yellow, Piet Mondrian
Image from Piet Mondriaan
The red, blue and yellow squares separated by thick black lines has become an iconic, easily recognisable work of art – it’s all Mondrian. There are dozens of iterations on the theme, but this classic representation is one of the best. Visit this icon at the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam, which proudly displays modern and contemporary art. For more Mondriaan in the Netherlands, check out the Kröller-Müller Museum in Otterlo.
Where can I see it? Stedelijk Museum – included in the I amsterdam City Card – which also features on our two-day cultural itinerary with the City Card.
Jacqueline Kennedy II, Andy Warhol
Image from The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc. co Pictoright Amsterdam Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam
In the ‘60s, Andy Warhol revolutionised art with his pop culture icons and factory line production. His work celebrated subjects that were familiar to everyday people – think the tomato soup cans – as well as high profile celebrities, such as his famous Marilyn Monroe series. Jacqueline Kennedy II depicts the former First Lady after the tragic assassination of her husband.
Where can I see it? Stedelijk Museum – included with the City Card – one of the best contemporary art spaces in the city.
As I Opened Fire, Roy Lichtenstein
Image from Estate of Roy Lichtenstein, co Pictoright Amsterdam Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam
Like Warhol, American artist Roy Lichtenstein brought pop art into fine art prominence. His piece As I Opened Fire is a great example of his unique style: derived from a comic book, this work features three panels, called a triptych, alongside exaggerated lettering, the use of primary colours and the narrative from the comic itself, albeit slightly altered. Pop art is only one corner of the city's art scene, we've put together a list of 10 of the best museums for every art lover.
Where can I see it? Stedelijk Museum - included in the I amsterdam City Card
La Montagne Sainte-Victoire, Cezanne
Image from Txllxt TxllxT
The mountain of Sainte-Victoire was a recurring motif for Cezanne, and featured in over 40 of his paintings and 45 watercolours. This painting is one of Cezanne's early depictions of the scene. It was painted in a post-impressionist style, depicting not what the eye can see, but seeking to balance the mind with the eye and embody the feeling of this natural landscape. You can see this painting, as well as Cezanne's Bottles and Peaches at the Stedelijk Museum.
Where can I see it? Stedelijk Museum - included in the I amsterdam City Card
Planning your art route?
These museums sit in and around Museumplein, all within a 5-minute walk of each other. And you can access both the Rijksmuseum and Stedelijk with your City Card, which includes public transport access if you'd rather take the tram. If you're wondering about all the museums included with the City Card, we've got the full list here.
