A Comprehensive Guide to the Best Museums in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is famous for its rich culture and world-class museums. While everyone knows about the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum, this guide will help you discover Amsterdam's unique and lesser-known museums. Whether you're into art, history, or interactive experiences, Amsterdam has a museum for you. Here's a comprehensive guide to the best museums in Amsterdam.

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 forUrban 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.

Art gallery STRAAT museum in Amsterdam
© STRAAT Museum

Moco Museum – Banksy and More

Location: Museumplein | Best forContemporary 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.

Moco museum in Amsterdam
© Moco Museum

Huis Bartolotti – A Step Back in Time

Location: Amsterdam Center | Best forHistory 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.

Inside Huis Bartolotti in Amsterdam
© Huis Bartolotti, Arjan Bronkhorst

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. 

Art in Amsterdam Museum
© Amsterdam Museum

Fabrique des Lumières – Digital Art

Location: Westergas | Best forArt 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 forHistory 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 forCat 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.

Een kat in de kattenkabinet in Amsterdam
© Kattenkabinet

Treasure Room at the City Archives – Free History

Location: City Archives, Vijzelstraat | Best forBudget-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 Willet-Holthuysen
© Museum Willet-Holthuysen

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.

Museum het Schip in Amsterdam
© Museum Het Schip

Muiderslot: A Fairy Tale Castle

Location: Muiden (short ferry from Amsterdam) | Best forFamilies 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.

Muiderslot
© Muiderslot Museum, Maartje Scheers

FOAM – Photography Museum

Location: Keizersgracht | Best forPhotography 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.

Art gallery Foam in Amsterdam
© FOAM, Christan van der Kooy

Stedelijk Museum – Modern Art

Location: Museumplein | Best forModern 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.

Painting in Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam
© Stedelijk Mseum

Jewish Museum – Culture and History

Location: Jewish Cultural Quarter | Best forHistory 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.

Joods Museum in Amsterdam
© Joods Museum, Marijke Volkers

Museum of the Canals – Waterways History

Location: Canal House, Herengracht | Best forHistory 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.

Grachtenmuseum in Amsterdam
© Museum of the Canals

Rembrandt House – The Artist’s Life

Location: Jodenbreestraat | Best forArt 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.

The Rembrandt Museum in Amsterdam
© Rembrandthuis

Of course, while these hidden gems are amazing, don’t forget to visit the popular museums too. Our most famous museums are:

Plan Your Visit

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.

Conclusion


Amsterdam is a city rich in art, history, and culture, with museums catering to all tastes. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or a history buff, the city offers world-renowned museums as well as hidden gems waiting to be explored.

You may also like our blogpost about The Best Streets and Neighborhoods You Need to Visit and Top Breakfast Spots in the City.

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