- NXT Museum – Modern Art
- Straat Museum – Street Art
- Moco Museum – Banksy and More
- Huis Bartolotti – A Step Back in Time
- Amsterdam Museum – City History
- Fabrique des Lumières – Digital Art
- National Maritime Museum
- Cat Cabinet – For Cat Lovers
- Treasure Room at the City Archives – Free History
- Museum Willet-Holthuysen – Canal House
- Museum Het Schip – Unique Architecture
- Muiderslot: A Fairy Tale Castle
- FOAM – Photography Museum
- Stedelijk Museum – Modern Art
- Jewish Museum – Culture and History
- Museum of the Canals – Waterways History
- Rembrandt House – The Artist's Life
- Popular Museums
- Current Exhibitions
- Plan Your Visit
NXT Museum – Modern Art
Location: Amsterdam-North | Best for: Tech and digital art fans
The NXT Museum is all about new media art. Located in Amsterdam-Noord, this museum features immersive digital art installations. It’s perfect for those who love cutting-edge technology and modern art.
Straat Museum – Street Art
Location: NDSM Wharf | Best for: Urban culture enthusiasts
The Straat Museum, located in a former shipyard at the NDSM wharf, celebrates street art and showcases graffiti by renowned artists. It’s a lively, colorful space that immerses you in the vibrant world of urban art. If you’re lucky, you might even catch an artist in action.
Moco Museum – Banksy and More
Location: Museumplein | Best for: Contemporary art lovers
The Moco Museum, also known as the Banksy Museum, is set in a stunning villa on Museumplein. It’s famous for its Banksy exhibits, along with pieces by Andy Warhol and other modern masters. A must-see for anyone interested in modern and contemporary art.
Huis Bartolotti – A Step Back in Time
Location: Amsterdam Center | Best for: History buffs
Huis Bartolotti is a hidden gem in the heart of Amsterdam. This 17th-century canal house offers a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of the past. The well-preserved interiors and fascinating history make it a special spot to learn about Amsterdam’s Golden Age.
Amsterdam Museum – City History
Location: Amsterdam Center | Best for: History enthusiasts
The Amsterdam Museum tells the city’s story from its medieval roots to now. Located in the historic center, it has interactive exhibits and lots of information. It’s perfect for learning about Amsterdam’s history.
Fabrique des Lumières – Digital Art
Location: Westergas | Best for: Art and tech lovers
Fabrique des Lumières is a one-of-a-kind digital art center set in a former gas factory. Its large-scale projections of famous artworks, combined with music, create an immersive and sensory experience.
National Maritime Museum
Location: Oosterdok | Best for: History and maritime enthusiasts
Dive into the Dutch maritime history at the National Maritime Museum. Housed in a grand 17th-century building, the museum features interactive exhibits and historical ships, including a full-size replica docked outside. Learn about the legacy of the VOC (Dutch East India Company).
Cat Cabinet – For Cat Lovers
Location: Canal House, Herengracht | Best for: Cat lovers
The Cat Cabinet is a quirky museum dedicated to cats. Located in a charming canal house, it showcases cat-themed art and sculptures. It’s perfect for cat enthusiasts.
Treasure Room at the City Archives – Free History
Location: City Archives, Vijzelstraat | Best for: Budget-friendly history lovers
The City Archives’ Treasure Room is a free museum showing historical documents, maps, and photos of Amsterdam. It’s a fascinating, cost-free way to explore the city’s history.
Museum Willet-Holthuysen – Canal House
Location: Herengracht | Best for: everyone who loves canal houses
Museum Willet-Holthuysen is a beautiful 19th-century canal house. It’s filled with period furniture and art, showing how the wealthy lived in Amsterdam.
Museum Het Schip – Unique Architecture
Location: Spaarndammerbuurt | Best for: Architecture lovers
Museum Het Schip focuses on Amsterdam School architecture. Located in a striking building, it explores the style’s impact on the city’s design. Architecture fans will love it.
Muiderslot: A Fairy Tale Castle
Location: Muiden (short ferry from Amsterdam) | Best for: Families and history lovers
A short trip from Amsterdam by ferry, Muiderslot is a medieval castle that looks like it’s from a fairy tale. It offers tours, historical exhibits, and lovely gardens. It’s great for families and history lovers.
FOAM – Photography Museum
Location: Keizersgracht | Best for: Photography enthusiasts
FOAM is a top photography museum in Amsterdam. It has changing exhibitions of works by famous and new photographers. It’s a must-visit for photography fans.
Stedelijk Museum – Modern Art
Location: Museumplein | Best for: Modern art lovers
The Stedelijk Museum on Museumplein is all about modern and contemporary art. It features works by artists like Vincent van Gogh and Piet Mondrian. It’s a highlight for art lovers.
Jewish Museum – Culture and History
Location: Jewish Cultural Quarter | Best for: History and culture enthusiasts
The Jewish Museum in the Jewish Cultural Quarter explores the history and culture of Amsterdam’s Jewish community. It has a rich collection of artifacts and stories. It’s an educational and moving experience.
Museum of the Canals – Waterways History
Location: Canal House, Herengracht | Best for: History lovers
The Museum of the Canals tells the story of Amsterdam’s famous canal system. Located in a beautiful canal house, it uses multimedia to explain how the canals were built and their importance.
Rembrandt House – The Artist’s Life
Location: Jodenbreestraat | Best for: Art and history fans
Explore the former home of Rembrandt van Rijn at the Rembrandt House Museum. Visit his studio, living quarters, and view many of his original etchings. It’s a fascinating insight into the life of one of the world’s greatest artists.
Popular Museums
Of course, while these hidden gems are amazing, don’t forget to visit the popular museums too. Our most famous museums are:
Current Exhibitions
Plan Your Visit
Make sure to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons. You don’t want to miss out on your visit. If you’re planning to visit multiple museums, consider purchasing the I Amsterdam City Card, which offers free or discounted entry to over 70+ museums and includes public transport. Not sure if it’s right for you? We’ve written a full blog post about it.
You may also like our blogpost about The Best Streets and Neighborhoods You Need to Visit and Top Breakfast Spots in the City.
