European cities tend to do museums well, but Amsterdam is surely the best of the bunch. Whether you’re looking for art by the Dutch masters or insights into the culture and history of this small but extraordinary city, Amsterdam’s museum scene offers it all in abundance. Here are 4 museums that you cannot miss, and if this whets your appetite for a cultural caper in the Dutch capital, check out this quick guide to help you plan your trip.
- Rijksmuseum: One of the most iconic buildings in Amsterdam, Rijksmuseum presides over Museumplein. Home to masterpieces by renowned artists such as Rembrandt and Vermeer, the building also houses the enchanting Cuypers Library, the largest and oldest art historical library in the Netherlands.
- Anne Frank Huis: The former home of one of Amsterdam’s most well-known residents, the Anne Frank Huis is a must see. To experience this space is to understand more fully the true struggle faced by Anne and her family. This museum books up fast so reservation in advance is essential.
- Straat Museum: In the industrial NDSM Wharf area of Amsterdam Noord, Straat is a striking museum dedicated to street art and graffiti. With pieces by artists from all over world and an ever-changing selection of works on show, this is the kind of museum you can visit time and time again.
- Red Light Secrets Museum: Behind a small door tucked away in De Wallen, lies this insightful museum dedicated to Amsterdam’s most intriguing locale. Housed in a brothel building that remains in its original state, the Red Lights Secrets Museum lifts the lid on the mysteries of Amsterdam’s most recognisable district and invites you to see the story from the other side of the window.
