Museums with secret gardens in Amsterdam

Open Garden Days

13-15 June 2025

If you're interested in seeing more than the museum gardens, keep an eye out for Open Garden Days 2025. This city-wide initiative invites visitors to some of the capital’s most manicured public and private gardens, from the historical Huis Marseille to the regal estate of Museum van Loon. 

Huis Marseille

Located on the Keizersgracht, Huis Marseille has been established for over 20 years and was the first photography museum in Amsterdam. After marvelling at impressive photographic works spread through the luminous rooms of two 17th-century canal houses, enjoy some sun in the quaint courtyard garden. When you’ve had your fill of fresh air, dive back into the collections or head into the speciality bookshop.

The Embassy of the Free Mind

Free thought is the ability to formulate ideas autonomously, without limits, regardless of religion, culture or age. This feeling is precisely what The Embassy of the Free Mind wants to stimulate, hosting a great variety of exhibitions and a historic library where you can browse through an incredible book collection. When you’ve found one that appeals, nestle down in the colourful garden filled with wildflowers. What better way to free your mind on a sunny day than with a good read in the fresh air?

H'ART Museum

H'ART Museum conceals the most extensive courtyard garden in the centre of Amsterdam, an oasis of calm surrounded by art. The space used to be a bleachfield where laundry was left to dry while the residents gardened and looked after the chickens. It's free to enter, and you can enjoy light refreshments, lunch, or a glass of wine from the scenic terrace.

Museum van Loon

You can't say no to a historic canal house, a hidden courtyard garden, and a slice of apple pie. Museum van Loon was originally the home of Ferdinand Bol, a pupil of Rembrandt, and inside, you’ll find portraits, paintings, silverware and porcelain from different centuries. Behind the house, the elegantly landscaped garden looks very much as it would have done in the 17th century - besides perhaps the scenic museum café, which is the perfect spot for a peaceful coffee.

Rijksmuseum Gardens

With its infinite paintings by the Dutch masters, a vast library and a beautiful outdoor space, the Rijksmuseum just keeps on giving. Escape the hustle and bustle of the galleries to soak in the garden scenery with its various flowers and plants, a fountain and a sculpture exhibition. See if you can also find the Fragmentengebouw (Fragment Building) and the former director's villa. What doesn't the Rijks have?

Huis Willet-Holthuysen

Huis Willet-Holthuysen on Herengracht is a 17th-century mansion, once considered among the most prominent buildings in the city. Have a nose through the period rooms, including a ballroom, garden room and dining room, to see how the wealthy former owners lived life to the full. The garden is designed in the French classical style with ornate statues, manicured hedges and gravel sprinkled into a work of art. Sit on one of the benches, enjoy the sun and imagine yourself in a fairy tale.

NEMO Science Museum

Perched atop the NEMO Science Museum, the newly renovated rooftop terrace is Amsterdam’s highest city square, offering panoramic views and a lush, green oasis. Having opened in spring 2025, this elevated piazza features over 75 plant species, an open-air stage for events, and interactive exhibits on renewable energy. Freely accessible to all, it’s a hidden garden blending science, nature, and cityscape. In summer, the terrace comes alive with live music, outdoor cinema, yoga sessions, and special events.

National Maritime Museum

Another great way to blow the cobwebs away after spending time inside is to clamber aboard the VOC ship docked outside the National Maritime Museum (Het Scheepsvaartmuseum). After learning about the seafaring history of the Netherlands indoors, explore this incredible vessel to see how the crew slept and worked. All boat fanatics and families with adventurous children will be truly taken by the opportunity to inspect the cannons up close as you take in the salty sea air.

Moco Museum

Step out of the Moco Museum and into the playful garden filled with contemporary art pieces. These incredible works are best described as magical sculptures, perfect for capturing on camera. Admire the enormous red gummy bear by Whisbe or Fidia's 'Freaky Mouse'. The garden regularly changes the artwork on display, so there’ll always be something inspiring and new to see each time you return.

Huis Vasari

Concealed inside Huis Vasari, also home to the Vrije Academie, is a beautiful inner courtyard garden characteristic of a canal house. Huis Vasari is far from a typical museum; however, it is home to many lectures, workshops and walking tours dedicated to arts and culture. Nowadays, Huis Vasari also boasts their espresso bar, Bar Vasari. With many exhibitions, this unique museum is an unmissable jewel in Amsterdam's beautiful canal belt.

Grachtenmuseum

The Grachtenmuseum's (Museum of the Canals) garden is arguably the showstopper for a museum dedicated entirely to water. Incorporating over four centuries of canal garden design, this green space is an ode to everything that's come before it in the watery capital. With a lovely sculpture garden complete with four sculptures, each meant to reflect a season, and a small gazebo to admire the view, this tranquil spot is an example of the secret beauty that hides behind Amsterdam's facades.