Amsterdam is a city of freedom, diversity and vibrant colors. It stands on the water, and the network of canals is as much a part of the national flavor as old houses, costumes with wooden shoes, or orange. Tourists have quite definite associations with the Dutch capital: van Gogh, tulips, Anne Frank, marijuana, Rembrandt, the Red Light District. All this is reflected in city museums.
Contemporary art is widely represented in Amsterdam. There are about 10 permanent exhibitions in this direction, but Stedeleikmuseum and Moko are known more than others. It houses the world's first sex museum and the planet's only microbial museum. Those who like tastings should definitely look into the beer and cheese museums.
The most interesting museums in Amsterdam
List, photos with names and descriptions of museums in the city, which are worth visiting.
Rijksmuseum
The State Museum of Amsterdam tells the history of Holland and focuses on the cultural characteristics of the country. The exposition is extensive and divided into collections, which include Delft porcelain, doll houses of the 17th century, national ancient costumes, antique furniture, and canvases by Dutch masters. The main masterpiece in the collection of the Rijksmuseum is Rembrandt's Night Watch.
Address: Amsterdam, Museumstraat, 1
Website: rijksmuseum.nl
Van gogh museum
The exposition includes about 200 works by the artist. All the stages of his life can be traced from the canvases presented here. Part of the collection is paintings by Vincent's contemporaries. The collection is housed in one of the buildings on the Museum Square. Nearby there is a boutique with souvenir products made "for van Gogh". Tourists take with them not only reproductions, but also funny wardrobe items or dishes.
Address: Amsterdam, Museumplein, 6
Website: vangoghmuseum.nl
Madame Tussauds museum
A branch of the world famous wax museum. Ticket prices are rather high, but it is usually crowded here. At the entrance, guests are greeted by a pirate, emphasizing the flavor of the Dutch capital. The stationary clones of politicians, artists and artists are spread across several halls. One of the sections is closed: signs warn - especially impressionable ones should stay away. Its "inhabitants" are wax maniacs.
Address: Amsterdam, Dam Square, 20
Website: madametussauds.com
NEMO Museum
It is not difficult to find the building of the NEMO scientific and educational museum near the central city station - its unusual outlines are visible from afar. The interiors are specially designed for experimentation. Any object can be touched and examined up close. Visitors become participants in exciting experiments and testing of scientific hypotheses. A visit to a museum is more like a visit to a playroom or interactive theater.
Address: Amsterdam, Oosterdok, 2
Website: nemosciencemuseum.nl
Rembrandt House Museum
Has been working since 1911. The facade of the building, as well as the interior rooms, were restored according to the inventory of the notary Rembrandt. The house in the past belonged to the master. 260 of the 290 graphic works of the artist are kept here, as well as several original canvases. There are also paintings by Rembrandt's students and those whom he was inspired and admired. The informative part of the excursion concerns the methods of making paints and prints.
Address: Amsterdam, Jodenbreestraat, 4
Website: rembrandthuis.nl
Anne Frank House Museum
Located in the building where the most famous diary in the world was written. Jewish girl Anna Frank led him during the occupation of the country by the Nazis. The house has preserved the atmosphere of the Second World War. The original of the diary is the main exhibit of the exhibition. Buying tickets to this museum should be taken care of in advance. Reason: it only works from November 1 to April 1 and is popular with both visitors and locals.
Address: Amsterdam, Westermarkt, 20
Website: annefrank.org
Shipping Museum
When creating the fleet, Peter I relied on the experience and knowledge of the Dutch. The history of their shipping is instructive and valuable, which is why the museum was created. Navigators left their native ports and discovered new lands, crossing the oceans. Each significant achievement of compatriots did not go unnoticed. The story about them is supported by a visual base: ship models, globes, ammunition items, maps.
Address: Amsterdam, Kattenburgerplein, 1
Website: hetscheepvaartmuseum.nl
City Museum
Contemporary art begins here with the appearance and layout of the museum building itself. Inside, there are vast funds - about 90 thousand copies. The exhibitions are not limited to paintings by renowned masters like Kandinsky. On the walls and in the stained-glass windows of the Stedeleikmuseum, photographs, sculptures, posters are displayed. There is a section where video files are shown. Themed installations are held regularly.
Address: Amsterdam, Museumplein, 10
Website: stedelijk.nl
Human Body Museum
Anatomy lovers shouldn't pass by. 6 floors are filled with real human bodies and individual organs, as well as their recreated synthetic copies. Visitors are shown how muscles contract, how bad habits affect the body, how stress or joy affects brain cells. Experiments are presented in an accessible language, in some you can take part.
Address: Amsterdam, Damrak, 66
Website: bodyworlds.nl
Museum of Sex
Located close to the Red Light District, which helps to attract tourists. It has been operating since 1985 and is the oldest museum about sex. The collection was originally a collection of items for sexual pleasure. Now it has not only expanded quantitatively and occupies three floors, but also covered more subtopics. For example, here you can find out how sex was treated in different eras and in different cultures.
Address: Amsterdam, Damrak, 18
Website: amsterdam.info
Vrolik Museum
The creator of the museum is Gerardas Vrolik. Most of the exhibits are the personal collection of the researcher. The work of the father was continued first by his son, and then the authorities and other scientists began to replenish the museum. Spaces tightly arranged with glazed shelving can impress anyone. They store human bones, embryos with pathologies, anomalous types of alcohol-based body parts.
Address: Amsterdam, Meibergdreef, 15
Website: amc.nl
Amsterdam history museum
In essence, this museum is a local history museum, and one of the best in the world. Artifacts found during archaeological excavations are sent here. Monuments, originals of historical documents, paintings, old photographs are part of the collection. They are divided into thematic exhibitions. Among other things, the exposition contains the first map of Amsterdam, which was drawn in the 16th century.
Address: Amsterdam, Kalverstraat, 92
Website: amsterdammuseum.nl
Brewery Museum Heineken Experience
A rich program awaits beer lovers. The excursion begins with a dive into history. Chronicle footage and specially filmed footage are shown on large screens. 160 years of successful work on the global market sweep by in half an hour. This is followed by tasting: there are a dozen types of beer to choose from. Those who wish can visit themed rides and stables, where horses of a particularly hardy breed are kept.
Address: Amsterdam, Stadhouderskade, 78
Website: heineken.com
Museum of microbes
The only museum in the world of this kind. It has been operating since 2014 and is constantly expanding the collection. Sealed transparent containers are neatly arranged on the shelves. Nearby - microscopes and magnifying glasses, allowing you to see the microbes. Entertainment and educational lectures are held for visitors. The guides talk about everyday little things, for example, how food deteriorates and the need to change your toothbrush more often.
Address: Amsterdam, Plantage Kerklaan, 38
Website: micropia.nl
Hermitage on the Amstel
The museum has two permanent exhibitions. The first tells about the building in which the local "Hermitage" is located. The second traces the historical background and ways of interaction between Russia and Holland. In addition, the main large exhibition is renewed every 6 months. Masterpieces from St. Petersburg are brought to Amsterdam, the rest of the time kept in the funds of the museum's Russian namesake.
Address: Amsterdam, Amstel, 51
Website: hermitage.nl
Film Museum
In 1946, the Dutch Historical Film Archive was created in Amsterdam. After 6 years, it was converted into a cinema museum. The collection has also been moved twice: in 1972 to the Vondel Park building, and in 2012 to spacious rooms on the banks of the Ei River. Storage funds - 46 thousand films in various media. Films alone - 7 million meters. Another important part of the collection is 35 thousand posters.
Address: Amsterdam, Jpromenade, 1
Website: eyefilm.nl
Diamond Museum
In one room, exhibits are collected, the price of which is off scale. During the tour, tourists are told tales, production secrets and ways to distinguish a fake. The exhibits include jewelry and individual diamonds, as well as very strange objects, such as a skull completely covered with diamonds. Guests are offered a VIP master class: for 500 euros you can learn how to grind precious stones, and then pick up the resulting product.
Address: Amsterdam, Paulus Potterstraat, 8
Site: diamonds-amsterdam.com
Modern Art Museum
This museum has its own concept. The Loghis family, who opened their treasury to outside visitors, wanted to collect under one roof the works of contemporary artists, ridiculing the vices of society. Collectors continue to buy new pieces of art, and some are donated to them. Among others, here are the creations of Banksy and Roy Lichtenstein. The opening hours of the museum change depending on the season.
Address: Amsterdam, Honthorststraat, 20
Website: mocomuseum.com
Marijuana and Hemp Museum
Opened in 1991. It was originally the private collection of Ben Dronkers, a renowned cannabis grower. He was more interested in the psychotropic properties of cannabis and marijuana and the corresponding varieties. With the growth of the museum, stands with other types appeared in it. An operating greenhouse is located behind the glass in the museum building. The museum shop sells all the ingredients needed to grow cannabis and marijuana.
Address: Amsterdam, Oudezijdsachterburgwal, 148
Website: hashmuseum.com
"Secrets of the Red Light District"
The building of the world's only prostitution museum, located in the Red Light District, is a former 17th century brothel. The excursion touches upon the history of the ancient profession and its influence on the life and image of Amsterdam. The guides try to show all sides of this "business". Tourists have access to rooms where prostitutes received clients. Those who wish can stand in the famous window through which the girls lure visitors.
Address: Amsterdam, Oudezijds Achterburgwal, 60
Website: redlightsecrets.com
Cheese museum
The boom in cheese making came in Holland during the period of the development of distant lands. Sailors had to take products with a long shelf life and useful properties. And the cheese was perfect for them. On the first floor of the museum, tourists will find a historical excursion, the opportunity to try on the national dress and equip with a cheese knife. The tasting takes place on the second floor. The store sells all the varieties presented at the tasting.
Address: Amsterdam, Prinsengracht, 112
Site: cheesemuseumamsterdam.com
Torture museum
The exhibits of the museum are originals, and once they were put into action with or without reason. Torture was used against criminals and heretics. Often with their help, false confessions were beaten out of suspects: few could withstand such tests. "The Witch's Chair", "The Iron Maiden", "Horizontal Rack", "Brain". Even from the names of the devices in the museum, it is clear: they did not promise anything good to the accused.
Address: Amsterdam, Singel, 449
Website: torturemuseum.com
Tropical museum
When tourists first hear this name, a botanical garden or something similar looms before their eyes. Reality is far from fantasy: the exposition is dedicated to the former colonies of Holland and the peoples who inhabited those lands. A shop in the style of "everything for the voodoo rite", a shadow theater, an Arab bazaar and a bunch of individual items have been moved to the museum. It is believed that it takes 5 hours to get around all 9 halls with a cursory examination of the exhibits.
Address: Amsterdam, Linnaeusstraat, 2
Website: tropenmuseum.nl
Amstelkring
Located in the central part of the Red Light District. The museum occupies the former home of Jan Hartmann. The building is notable primarily for its unusual church. This Catholic object has received the full name "The Temple of Our Beloved Lord in the Attic." The reconstruction touched upon the interiors and a large organ. The lower floors are decorated with paintings from the 17th-18th centuries, and the restored kitchen is also located there.
Address: Amsterdam, Oudezijds Voorburgwal, 38
Website: opsolder.nl
Jewish History Museum
The rich accompanying cultural program is the highlight of this museum. The main exhibition is dedicated to the persecution of the Jewish people during World War II. In addition, ritual objects, paintings, photographs, clothes, scrolls are kept here. Cooking workshops are held to teach the secrets of preparing Jewish traditional dishes, and documentary films are shown. Hebrew is taught to children.
Address: Amsterdam, Nieuwe Amstelstraat, 1
Website: jck.nl
Museum of photography
From the building to the exhibitions, the museum is restrained in its appearance and laconic. On the walls there are works of recognized masters of their direction. In adjoining halls, works of photographers taking their first steps in the profession are exhibited. Some works can be bought: tourists receive an unusual souvenir from Amsterdam - an original object of modern art, and even signed by the author.
Address: Amsterdam, Keizersgracht, 609
Website: foam.org
Allard Pearson Museum
Allard Pearson spent half his life traveling around the world and participating in expeditions. His works formed the basis for the creation of an archaeological museum. The rarities found by researchers confirm many historical events from the times of Ancient Egypt and the Roman Empire. Some of the exhibits were mined in the Middle East. The collection includes tools, dishes made of various materials, including ceramics, jewelry and amulets, bronze items, sarcophagi and mummies.
Address: Amsterdam, Oude Turfmarkt, 127
Website: allardpierson.nl
Amsterdam Dungeon Museum
Has been working since 2005. Belongs to Merlin Entertainment company. They have similar establishments in England and Germany. The museum occupies an old building where a phenomenon called the "Amsterdam Miracle" took place. Inside, guests will find a maze of mirrors and performances performed by a troupe of 30 artists. The museum exploits the dark pages of the city's history to wow visitors.
Address: Amsterdam, Rokin, 78
Website: thedungeons.com
Tulip Museum
The founder of the museum is Chris Schipper. He initially did not intend to do anything like that, he was just fond of gardening. Buying up rare varieties, unique bulbs, as well as related items related to tulips, Schipper faced a storage problem. So it occurred to him in 2011 and the idea came to open access to the collection to all interested. The gift shop next door sells a bunch of useful tulip items.
Address: Amsterdam, Prinsengracht, 116
Website: amsterdamtulipmuseum.com
Resistance Movement Museum
The occupation of the Netherlands by the Nazis lasted from 1940 to 1945. All this time, the Resistance was operating in the country. The exposition is housed in a building built in 1876. It was used in the past as a Jewish cultural center and synagogue. In 1999, after restoration, the house was transferred to the Resistance Museum. Inside, a wartime atmosphere is recreated, and the tour deals with key historical events for the movement and Holland.
Address: Amsterdam, Plantage Kerklaan, 61 A
Website: verzetsmuseum.org
Tobacco pipe museum
Since 1969, Don Ducco's private collection of pipes has been periodically exhibited. In 1982, a museum was organized on its basis in Leiden, and in 1995 it was moved to Amsterdam. The funds include more than 20 thousand storage units. In addition to pipes, there are rare types of tobacco and other related products. On an ongoing basis, about 3 thousand exhibits are available for inspection.
Address: Amsterdam, Prinsengracht, 488
Website: pipemuseum.nl
Bag Museum
The theme of fashion rises everywhere in Amsterdam. Therefore, the appearance of the museum, where more than 4 thousand bags were collected, was a matter of time. Leather and other products are a kind of historical chronicle. On the shelves, curious tourists can find both items sold in large quantities and unique bags. There are also a lot of expensive branded items, for example, from Gucci and Prada.
Address: Amsterdam, Herengracht, 573
Website: tassenmuseum.nl
Van Loon Museum
In the past, this three-story mansion belonged to the wealthy Van Lone family. The decor in the house corresponds to the era, as if outside the window is the XVIII century. Not only the furniture and the general decoration have been preserved, but also the little things: silverware, porcelain, portraits of the previous owners. Some rooms, including the dining room, are rented for private events. The French-style garden is a venue for opera concerts.
Address: Amsterdam, Keizersgracht, 672
Website: museumvanloon.nl
Dutch Costume Museum
The collection is housed in a 17th century building in the center of Amsterdam. The premises of the museum are divided into 7 sectors. Each of them is decorated in a special way with the flowers of the respective region. Not so long ago, one more exhibition was added to the permanent exhibition - "Contemporary Fashion". A group of designers and fashion designers have created the clothes of today, using national motives. The museum shop sells original costumes and handmade jewelry.
Address: Amsterdam, Herengracht, 427
Website: hetklederdrachtmuseum.nl
Willet-Holthausen Museum
She was a wealthy heiress, and he was an antiques collector. After the wedding, the couple created a paradise for themselves - a four-story mansion filled with rarities. In beauty and wealth, their home was not inferior to the residences of kings. The couple bequeathed the property to the state, provided that the authorities would not change anything inside. The museum has an unusual service: in the kitchen, paying 1 euro, you can make your own tea.
Address: Amsterdam, Herengracht, 605
Website: willetholthuysen.nl
