15 Best Museums in Amsterdam: Must-Sees for Art & History

Hannah Malmstrom

Last updated 4 Sep 2025

Walk along the tree-lined exterior leading to the Rijksmuseum | Photo credit: Frans Ruiter on Unsplash

While you might know Amsterdam for its canals, tulips, and cycling culture, it’s also home to more than 75 museums, all scattered across the city.

From one museum to the next, the city offers an incredible variety of experiences. You can admire masterpieces by famous Dutch painters at the Rijksmuseum, explore contemporary art at STRAAT, uncover the city’s history at the Museum of the Canals, or enjoy niche gems like the Cat Museum.

In this guide, we’ve narrowed it down to the 15 best museums in Amsterdam, including essential details like opening hours, must-sees, and online tickets to make your travel planning easier.

1. Rijksmuseum

Step back into the Dutch Golden Age at the Rijksmuseum. As one of the most iconic museums in Amsterdam and one of the world’s great art institutions, it holds a collection that spans 800 years of Dutch and European history, from medieval times to the present day.

While you’re here, be sure to check out masterpieces like Rembrandt’s The Night Watch, Vermeer’s The Milkmaid, and countless works by Frans Hals. Beyond paintings, the museum also showcases decorative arts, historical artifacts, and a stunning library. And on top of everything, the building itself is an architectural beauty designed by Pierre Cuypers.

Opening hours: Daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Address: Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam (Map)
Must-see: Rembrandt’s The Night Watch

2. Van Gogh Museum

Head on over to the Van Gogh Museum to celebrate the life and art of one of history’s most beloved painters. Housing the largest collection of Van Gogh’s works worldwide, the museum offers a deeply personal look into his artistry and struggles.

Here, you’ll get to see iconic paintings like Sunflowers, The Bedroom, and Wheatfield with Crows. The museum also exhibits letters he wrote to his brother Theo, offering rare insight into his creative process.

Opening hours: Daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (exceptions for late closing hours on certain Fridays and some seasonal variations)
Address: Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam (Map)
Must-see: Van Gogh’s Sunflowers

Klook Tip: It’s always best to confirm the Van Gogh Museum’s schedule directly from their official website.

You can also read our complete guide to the Van Gogh Museum, from how to get tickets to insider tips!

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3. Stedelijk Museum

For modern and contemporary art lovers, the Stedelijk Museum might be more your jam. Its permanent collection includes works from Piet Mondrian, Kazimir Malevich, Andy Warhol, and Willem de Kooning. From abstract expressionism to pop art, it presents a wide variety of artistic expression.

Temporary exhibitions keep the museum fresh, often showcasing provocative themes in design, new media, and performance art. The museum’s distinctive bathtub-shaped building is also a striking landmark on Museumplein.

Opening hours: Daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Address: Museumplein 10, 1071 DJ Amsterdam (Map)
Must-see: Piet Mondrian’s abstract masterpieces

4. Rembrandt House Museum

Step inside the Rembrandt House Museum, or Rembrandthuis, to see how the Dutch master artist lived and worked in the 17th century.

Visitors can explore Rembrandt’s studio, see demonstrations of printmaking, and view his etchings alongside works by his contemporaries. Walking through the narrow staircases and period-furnished rooms makes the experience feel intimate, as though you might see the artist himself at any moment.

Opening hours: Daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Address: Jodenbreestraat 4, 1011 NK Amsterdam (Map)
Must-see: Rembrandt’s personal etchings and workshop demonstrations

5. Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House is one of Amsterdam’s most historic sites. Visitors can walk through the hidden annex where Anne Frank and her family lived in hiding during World War II.

Her diary, which has touched millions worldwide, comes to life in this powerful museum. The experience is emotional and educational, reminding visitors of the strength of the human spirit even in the darkest times.

Opening hours: Daily from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm
Address: Westermarkt 20, 1016 GV Amsterdam (Map)
Must-see: The Secret Annex and Anne’s original diary

6. Moco Museum

Another highly recommended museum on this list is the Moco Museum. It’s a fun and colorful addition to Amsterdam’s flourishing art scene, allowing you to explore contemporary street art from world-famous artists like Banksy, Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Yayoi Kusama.

Plus, its interactive installations and pop culture themes make it a favorite for younger art lovers.

Opening hours: Daily from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Address: Honthorststraat 20, 1071 DE Amsterdam (Map)
Must-see: Banksy’s thought-provoking pieces

7. STRAAT Museum

Housed in a former shipyard at the NDSM Wharf, the STRAAT Museum is dedicated entirely to street art and graffiti. Featuring international names like Shepard Fairey and local talents, the massive industrial space allows artists to display works on a large scale. Its bold, colorful walls make it one of Amsterdam’s most visually striking museums.

Opening hours: Wednesdays to Sundays, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Address: NDSM-Plein 1, 1033 WC Amsterdam (Map)
Must-see: The Anne Frank mural by Eduardo Kobra

8. Amsterdam Museum

Come visit the Amsterdam Museum and discover everything from the city’s medieval beginnings to its role in global trade. With interactive displays, historical artifacts, and great multimedia storytelling, it brings Amsterdam’s past to life in a way that appeals to both adults and kids.

Opening hours: Daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Address: Amstel 51, 1018 EJ Amsterdam (Map)
Must-see: Interactive exhibits about the city’s history

9. KattenKabinet

Dedicated entirely to cats in art and culture, the KattenKabinet a.k.a. the Cat Museum is one of Amsterdam’s quirkiest spots. It was created by a wealthy cat lover in honor of his pet and now displays a variety of paintings, sculptures, and rare prints featuring felines.

Its setting in a historic canal house makes it even more charming. And the best part is that you might even spot a kitty (or two) roaming around during your visit.

Opening hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Address: Herengracht 497, 1017 BT Amsterdam (Map)
Must-sees: Cat-themed art collections and resident cats

10. Grachtenmuseum

If you’re curious about the history and engineering of Amsterdam’s canal network (which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site), then the Grachtenmuseum or the Museum of the Canals is a must-visit on your itinerary. Here, you can explore the stories behind the beautiful waterways through hands-on exhibits, scale models, and multimedia displays.

Opening hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Address: Herengracht 386, 1016 CJ Amsterdam (Map)
Must-see: Multimedia storytelling about the canal system

11. Foam Photography Museum

The Foam Photography Museum is Amsterdam’s leading photography institution, known for its rotating exhibitions that cover everything from documentary photography to fashion editorials. It supports both established names and emerging talents, offering a platform for different creative voices. The museum’s constantly changing exhibitions also make it worth revisiting.

Opening hours: Daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Address: Keizersgracht 609, 1017 DS Amsterdam (Map)
Must-see: Cutting-edge photography exhibitions

12. National Maritime Museum

Get ready to learn more about the Netherlands’ rich naval history at the National Maritime Museum. Inside, visitors will find nautical maps, globes, weaponry, and interactive displays that tell the story of the Dutch Golden Age at sea. You can also look forward to a full-scale replica of the Amsterdam, an 18th-century Dutch East India Company ship docked outside the museum.

Opening hours: Daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Address: Kattenburgerplein 1, 1018 KK Amsterdam (Map)
Must-see: Replica of the 18th-century ship Amsterdam

13. Nemo Science Museum

The Nemo Science Museum is an interactive paradise for children and adults alike. Spread across five floors, it’s packed with fun, hands-on exhibits that bring science to life.

From chemistry and physics to engineering and technology, there’s something to spark everyone’s imagination. You can build structures, play with light, or even discover how the human body works through interactive displays.

And when you’re ready for a break, head up to the rooftop for some of the best panoramic views of Amsterdam.

Opening hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, 10:00 am to 5:30 pm
Address: Oosterdok 2, 1011 VX Amsterdam (Map)
Must-sees: Energetica and Sensational Science Exhibitions

14. Madame Tussauds Amsterdam

The Amsterdam branch of Madame Tussauds brings visitors face-to-face with lifelike wax figures of global celebrities, sports icons, historical figures, and even the local monarchy.

If you’re looking for something more lighthearted and fun in the city, then stop by this museum for the perfect photo opportunities. It’s also really easy to fit into your sightseeing itinerary since it's located right in Dam Square.

Opening hours: Daily from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Address: Dam Square 20, 1012 NP Amsterdam (Map)
Must-sees: Wax figures of celebrities and Dutch royals

15. Upside Down Museum

Visit the Upside Down Museum for a playful and immersive experience designed for great photo ops. Each room features surreal, mind-bending illusions where nothing is as it seems. From walking on ceilings to neon dreamscapes, it’s one of the most entertaining museums for families, groups of friends, and content creators.

Opening hours: Daily from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
Address: Europaboulevard 5, 1079 PC Amsterdam (Map)
Must-see: Interactive illusion rooms

Make the most of your Amsterdam Museum visits

If you plan on visiting multiple museums, the I Amsterdam City Card is a solid investment. It includes free entry to many of the city’s top museums, unlimited use of public transport, and even canal cruises. Apart from saving money, you’ll also get to enjoy the convenience of skipping long ticket lines.

FAQs

What is Amsterdam's most famous museum?

The Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum are arguably the most famous museums in Amsterdam, celebrated for their Dutch Golden Age masterpieces such as Rembrandt’s The Night Watch and Van Gogh’s Sunflowers.

Is it worth getting a museum pass in Amsterdam?

Absolutely. If you’re planning to visit at least three major museums, the I Amsterdam City Card offers excellent value.

How to buy an Amsterdam Museum pass?

You can easily purchase the I Amsterdam City Card online in advance and use it digitally throughout your trip.

What is the cheapest way to visit Amsterdam museums?

The most affordable way is with the I Amsterdam City Card, which provides access to multiple museums, attractions, and public transport for a single price.