Self portrait of Vincent Van Gogh on a banner for Van Gogh Museum

Best Art Galleries in Amsterdam

By Robert Heaney

Famous the world over for its rich cultural heritage, the Netherlands has produced its fair share of renowned artists. Having played a huge role in immortalizing Renaissance and Golden Age art as some of the most impressive works in history, these artists are now celebrated internationally, and Amsterdam makes sure to put their pieces front and center among its popular cultural hubs.

Whether you’re a fan of the Old Masters or have more of a heart for modern media, the Dutch capital is overflowing with spaces to get your art fix. No matter your preferences, the best art galleries in Amsterdam cater to just about every medium, and are a fantastic means of seeing some of the most impressive works from national artists both old and new.

Rijksmuseum

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One of the most important museums in both the Netherlands and indeed Europe as a whole, the Rijksmuseum stands as the largest museum in Amsterdam. Dominating the popular Museumplein, the museum is easily one of the most recognizable monuments in the city, most notably for its striking Renaissance- and Gothic-inspired architecture.

The grand halls of the Rijksmuseum are home to a vast collection of art pieces and historical artifacts, illustrating the art and history of the Netherlands from the Dutch Golden Age to present day. Among its more than 8,000-strong collection are priceless pieces from such renowned Dutch artists as Rembrandt and Vermeer, including the former’s famous Night Watch painting.

Van Gogh Museum

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Having lived and worked in the Netherlands throughout his life, it’s only fitting that Amsterdam’s most significant art gallery be dedicated to the world’s most famous painter, Vincent Van Gogh. Just a brief walk from the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum stands as the most complete permanent collection of the Dutch painter’s works.

Among the gallery’s vast collection of permanent exhibits are over 200 original paintings and 500 drawings from the Post-Impressionist artist, alongside exhibitions showcasing the works of his contemporaries. The museum is separated chronologically into five periods, each exploring a different key period in his life and work.

MOCO Museum

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With Amsterdam’s vast wealth of impressive artworks dating back throughout the centuries, it’s easy to overlook the works of more modern visionaries. That’s exactly what the MOCO Museum aims to remedy. Short for Modern Contemporary Museum, this modern art hub sits just next door to the Van Gogh Museum, showcasing more modern media to parallel Amsterdam’s established masterpieces.

The MOCO Museum showcases a wide range of contemporary media and artworks, allowing visitors to explore both modern master works and the talented pieces of upcoming artists. Popular among the museum’s collection are various interactive installations, an ever-changing sculpture garden and a number of iconic pieces from the likes of Banksy, Damien Hirst and Jeff Koons.

Stedelijk Museum

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Striking both inside and out, thanks to its bathtub-shaped extension, the Stedelijk Museum is Amsterdam’s principal institution for modern and contemporary art. Overlooking the Museumplein and Van Gogh Museum, it’s the largest museum in the Netherlands dedicated to contemporary art and design, comparable in both size and collection to the likes of New York’s Museum of Modern Art.

Throughout its vast collection, the Stedelijk Museum showcases the works of modern artists from the early twentieth century to the present day. A variety of immersive exhibition rooms complement the permanent collections of renowned modern masters, from Picasso and Monet to Warhol and Lichtenstein.

Amsterdam Museum

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Combining both historical artifacts and striking artworks, the Amsterdam Museum stands as the Netherlands’ most complete public chronology of the Dutch capital’s history. The museum sits within the canal band, just a short walk from the Royal Palace of Amsterdam.

The museum documents the city’s growth from a thirteenth-century settlement on the banks of the River Amstel to the thriving cultural center we know today. Everything from archeological finds and historical artifacts to the works of such Dutch masters as Rembrandt help to paint a picture of life in Amsterdam and the Low Countries as a whole throughout various periods in history.

EYE Film Institute

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While not an art gallery in the most traditional sense, the EYE Film Institute is the Netherlands’ most important center dedicated to the medium of film and the moving image. Instantly striking from its beautiful modern architecture and open waterfront location, the museum stands directly across the river from Amsterdam’s Central Station.

Visitors to EYE Amsterdam can enjoy a selection of classic screenings across its four main cinemas and explore the many facets of the film industry through its expansive exhibition area. The museum explores current, historical and artistic developments in film, while its interactive basement offers visitors the opportunity to explore its vast digitized collection. EYE also hosts an impressive program of immersive, educational events and activities for families and individuals alike to learn about the industry.

Hermitage Amsterdam

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Located on the banks of the River Amstel, the Hermitage Amsterdam is the world’s largest branch of the famous Hermitage museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Once a historical nursing home for the elderly, the building now houses a vast, rotating collection of artworks and engaging exhibitions with a central focus on Russian history and culture.

FOAM Photography Museum

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Housed within a beautiful former canal warehouse, the FOAM Museum (Dutch: Fotografiemuseum Amsterdam) is an internationally renowned museum dedicated to all genres of photography. The venue’s cozy modern interior exhibits works from both world-famous visionaries and rising international talent.

Spread across four floors, FOAM typically hosts up to four simultaneous exhibitions to provide some variety to visitors, often featuring contrasting styles such as street and landscape photography. The venue also serves as a forum for photographers and enthusiasts alike to discuss their shared interest and attend various workshops and events.

Cobra Museum of Modern Art

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Showcasing contemporary art with a unique twist, the Cobra Museum is home to a collection of important works by central artists of the avant-garde CoBrA art movement. Considered the most important post-war art movement in the Netherlands, CoBrA was formed in 1948 during an international artists’ congress in Paris. The movement strived to oppose stuffy academia and revive a more spontaneous, innocent and childlike approach to artistic expression.

The museum features key works from master artists and engineers of the movement, Appel, Corneille and Constant, alongside various pieces from their contemporaries. An additional wing also houses modern works from the Rijksmuseum and the Museum Beelden aan Zee in Scheveningen.

Robert Heaney
Go City Travel Expert

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Cyclists in the Vondelpark
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Things to do in Amsterdam for Students

Amsterdam is quite the playground for students, with equal opportunities for stimulating gray matter (world-class museums, galleries and libraries) or deadening it (pub and club discounts). Join us as we explore all the best things to do in Amsterdam for students, including popular hangout spots in Vondelpark, free shows at the Concertgebouw, and Dutch Golden Age art in the mighty Rijksmuseum.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Entrance to Vondelpark in Amsterdam
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Amstelpark or Vondelpark Comparison

Amsterdam’s flat terrain, picturesque canals, attractive architecture and pedestrian-friendly streets makes it a fine city for strolling (and indeed cycling). But did you know the ‘Dam is also home to some of the most perfect parks in Europe? We’re talking the Vondelpark, the Westerpark, the Amstelpark and the Rembrandtpark, to name just a few. But which is best? We pit glorious green gems Vondelpark and Amstelpark against each other, taking a deep dive into their various attractions, family friendliness and more, to find out. Read on for the lowdown in our Amstel park and Vondelpark comparison… Vondelpark Name: originally named Nieuwe Park (New Park), it was quickly renamed Vondelpark in honor of Joost van den Vondel after a statue of the 17th-century writer and playwright was erected here, on a plinth designed by celebrated Rijksmuseum architect Pierr Cuypers, no less. Age and location: Vondelpark opened in Amsterdam-Zuid borough in 1865, west of the Museumplein and Leidseplein. Vondelpark in brief: an urban oasis par excellence, Vondelpark covers some 120 acres of prime Amsterdam real estate in the heart of the city, making it the largest park in town. Beloved of locals and visitors alike (it attracts around 10 million visitors annually), it’s a sprawling green gem, crammed with statues, sculptures, manicured gardens, tranquil lakes, cute cafés, picture-perfect footbridges, and recreational opportunities galore. The park was originally designed by 19th-century landscape architect Jan David Zocher and his son Louis Paul Zocher, and has undergone oodles of additions, expansions and improvements since opening as a green space for strolling and horse-riding over a century-and-a-half ago, in the summer of 1865. Unmissable Vondelpark Highlights The jewel in Vondelpark’s considerable crown is the Openluchttheater, a wonderful open-air stage that hosts events every year between May and September, from stand-up comedy to classical music, as well as plays and kids entertainers. There are something like 70 statues and sculptures dotted around Vondelpark. A towering concrete piece, Picasso’s abstract 1965 masterpiece Figure découpée (aka L’oiseau aka The Bird), is perhaps the most celebrated, and was donated by the artist himself for the park’s centenary. Follow your nose to the splendid rose garden in the middle of the park. The garden was added in 1935 and contains some 70 species of the romantic blooms. Of course, relaxation and recreation are key here, and there are plenty of paths for strolling, cycling, jogging and rollerblading. You can also do as the Amsterdammers do: grab a picnic lunch and a spliff, and find a shady spot beneath the poplars to while away the afternoon. How Family-Friendly is Vondelpark? Vondelpark’s ace playgrounds feature great treehouse-like structures that are manna for adventurous kids (and parents looking for a break). Besides these, there are plenty of wide open spaces to roam, trees to climb, and spots to play hide and seek. Heck, there’s even a maze to get lost in. Hit up the Swiss-chalet-style Het Groot Melkhuis on the edge of the Vondelpark Forest for casual café food and drinks – the playground and sandpits here make it the ideal go-to for hungry families. Note that Vondelpark is open 24 hours, but somewhat less child-friendly after dark, when courting couples are legally permitted to get, ahem, jiggy on the lawns. Amstelpark Name: Amstelpark is named after the river on which it sits. Age and location: opened for the Floriade 1972 garden festival, Amstelpark is a mere whippersnapper compared to Vondelpark. It also lies a little further off Amsterdam’s main drag than its elder cousin, around six kilometers south of Centraal Station. Amstelpark in brief: Though lacking some of the spectacle of Vondelpark, Amstelpark still packs a decent punch. Its origins as a horticultural garden shine through to this day and you’ll find plenty of rhododendron and rose gardens that burst into color, providing Insta-perfect selfie backdrops during the season. A cute train, a petting zoo and the biggest playground in Amsterdam also makes this one a top choice for family days out. Unmissable Amstelpark Highlights The Rosarium and Rhododendron Valley are Amstelpark’s standout botanical highlights. Around 140 species of rhododendron burst into fragrant bloom in April and May, providing one of the most colorful flower shows in town (no mean feat in the tulip capital of the world!). Meanwhile, the Rosarium showcases over 400 varieties of rose in summer, when the riot of bright colors and heady scents is liable to leave your head spinning. Fans of all things Dutch will find much to enjoy at the Riekermolen windmill, set next to the Amstel River on the park’s southern edge. The sails of this 17th-century beauty are set spinning again on some weekends in summer, and there’s a statue of Rembrandt nearby, in homage to his love of the landscapes around the Amstel River. The miniature train that weaves through Amstelpark is one of its most popular attractions. Hop aboard in summer to make the best of all those wonderfully verdant vistas. How Family-Friendly is Amstelpark? It’s fair to say Amstelpark trumps Vondelpark when it comes to facilities for children. That miniature train is a guaranteed hit, for starters, And that’s before we even get to the mini-golf, labyrinth, and petting zoo with rabbits, goats, sheep and chickens. The Speeltuin playground here is also really quite something. Kids could spend hours here, taking on the adventure zone, going bumper to bumper on the disco boats, riding the merry-go-round, and racing the super trucks. Save on Tours, Attractions and Activities in Amsterdam Save on admission to Amsterdam attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Sunflowers in front of a sign pointing to the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam
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Van Gogh Museum vs Rembrandthuis Museum Comparison Amsterdam

Ask anyone to name all the Dutch painters they’ve ever heard of and you can guarantee the first two out of their mouths will be Rembrandt and Van Gogh; one the leading artist of the Dutch Golden Age, the other the OG ‘tortured artist’ of Post-Impressionism who, in death, became one of the most famous and influential figures in the history of western art. Unsurprisingly, given their incalculable contribution to Dutch and European art and culture, both have been honored with their own dedicated museums in the Netherlands’ capital. But which of these essential Amsterdam attractions is best? Read on for the lowdown as we pit the Van Gogh Museum vs the Rembrandthuis (aka the Rembrandt House Museum)...  Van Gogh Museum vs Rembrandthuis Museum: Vital Statistics Size: Compared to Amsterdam’s main art museums – the Rijksmuseum and Stedelijk among them – both Rembrandt’s House and the Van Gogh Museum are relatively small, requiring only 1-2 hours of your time to get a real feel for the life and work of these visual virtuosos. Age: The Rembrandt House Museum opened in 1911, welcoming the Netherland’s Queen Wilhelmina and Prince Hendrik as its very first visitors; the Van Gogh Museum opened at Amsterdam’s Museumplein in 1973. Artworks: The collections are quite different, in that – as the name suggests – the Rembrandt House Museum is Rembrandt’s actual former home, where he lived with his family (and various lovers) from 1639 until bankruptcy forced him to give it up in 1658. Inside, you can experience the house roughly as it would have looked in Rembrandt’s day, the furniture having been carefully sourced and replaced, based on a 1656 auction inventory of its art, furnishings and various other household items.  There’s also a near-complete collection of Rembrandt etchings here (260 of the approximate 290 he created in his lifetime), plus paintings by his students, teacher and contemporaries, as well as a pair of pots used to mix quartz and clay for canvas preparation by Rembrandt himself. The Van Gogh Museum on the other hand, is a straightforward gallery of the Post-Impressionist prodigy’s work. There’s nothing ordinary about the collection here though, which comprises some 1,300 Van Gogh paintings, drawings and letters, including iconic works like The Potato Eaters and Sunflowers. Alongside this, the largest collection of Van Gogh pieces on the planet, the museum also showcases notable works by his Impressionist and Post-Impressionist contemporaries, among them paintings by Monet, Gauguin and Toulouse-Lautrec, and sculptures by Rodin. Annual visitors: The Van Gogh Museum outflanks most of the local competition here, pulling in around 2.2 million visitors every year to Rembrandt’s 250,000. The Van Gogh Museum vs Rembrandt House: Highlights We’re talking about two of the greatest all-time wizards of western art here, so your expectations are likely to be high, and the Van Gogh Museum does not disappoint. Here’s where you can view some 200 of the maestro’s paintings, among them his beautiful Almond Blossom which – if you like it – is also available to purchase in a gazillion different formats in the museum’s gift shop. Then there’s his Sunflowers, his Irises, his Wheat Field with Crows, his Self Portrait with Pipe, and the challenging masterpiece that is The Potato Eaters, Van Gogh’s depiction of 18th-century Dutch peasants at dinner. Add to this some 400 drawings and 700 letters, and Van Gogh votaries will be in clover. The Rembrandt House Museum is more of an immersive experience, one in which you can step into the Golden Age master’s former home and experience the living quarters and studio roughly as Rembrandt and his family would have done in the 17th Century. Authentic contemporary furnishings and artworks adorn the rooms, including pieces by Rembrand’s teacher Pieter Lastman, and his students Ferdinand Bol and Govert Flinck. Rembrandt’s etchings were far better-known than his paintings during his lifetime (due to the relative ease of mass reproduction), and are considered some of the greatest examples of the art form to this day. The museum owns the vast majority of these, and some of them can be viewed here, alongside relics including pots used by the artist, as well as his funeral medallion. If it’s an insight into Rembrandt’s life you’re after, this is very much the place for you. If, however, you want to ogle some of the artist’s most celebrated works up close, you’ll need to hit up the nearby Rijksmuseum, home of The Night Watch pictured above), Self Portrait with Disheveled Hair and other world-famous Rembrandt masterpieces. Van Gogh Museum vs Rembrandt House: Which is Better? Well, it’s less a question of which is better and more a case of whether you have a particular fondness for the (very different) work of Rembrandt or Van Gogh. Of course, you could kill two birds with one stone and see works by both of them (and many many more) at the Rijksmuseum, but if you’re looking for a deep dive into the life and works of these Dutch masters in particular, you’ll find no better place on the planet than the Van Gogh Museum and Rembrandt House in Amsterdam. Rembrandt House and the Van Gogh Museum: Fun Facts Did you know? In 1656, Rembrandt’s spiraling debts led to him petitioning for bankruptcy. The contents of his house were meticulously cataloged for sale, making it much simpler, 250 years later, for the house to be restored to its original state before opening as a museum in 1911. Did you know? Van Gogh is one of the original selfie takers, painting some 36 self-portraits across his brief 10-year career. His tally is topped only by – you guessed it – Rembrandt, who racked up around 100 paintings, etchings and drawings of his own fair phizog, but over a much longer period. Save on Tours, Attractions and Activities in Amsterdam Save on admission to Amsterdam attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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