Top 5 museums in Amsterdam

Amsterdam boasts over 50 museums, way too many to visit on a short trip! But which museums in Amsterdam are an absolute must-see? Discover Amsterdam’s top 5 right here.

With dropping temperatures and shorter days, the time is ripe for an inspirational visit to the museum. Amsterdam’s rich cultural history is illustrated in over 50 museums throughout the city. It’s virtually impossible however to tour through all in a short trip to the Dutch capital. Read on for the five best museums of Amsterdam!

1. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Starting the list is the largest museum in The Netherlands, the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. Having undergone a ten year restoration period, the centrepiece of Amsterdam reopened its doors in 2013. Amongst the collection is Rembrandt’s world renowned masterpiece The Night Watch, or ‘Nachtwacht’. The complete assortment in the museum tally’s to over 1 million works of art! The Rijksmuseum consequently presents and represents a significant part of Dutch history.Open from 9am to 5pm.

2. EYE Film Institute

The EYE is the national archive and museum for film and cinematography. Opened in 2012, this remarkable building is situated on the north bank of the IJ in Amsterdam. The museum has a wide range of film-related programs in every category imaginable. 4 cinemas and 1200m² of exhibition space makes for a perfect afternoon! The EYE is also equipped with an excellent restaurant and bar overlooking the IJ. The institute is accessible via ferry (free of charge), departing from the back of Amsterdam Central Station. Open from 10am to 10pm.

3. The National Maritime Museum

The evolution of the shipping industry has had a major influence on Amsterdam’s history. Locally dubbed the ‘Scheepvaartmuseum’, you can embark on a journey through 500 years of maritime history! Exhibitions depict life on board and be sure to go aboard the Dutch East India Company (VOC) ship ‘The Amsterdam’. Open from 9am to 5pm.

4. FOAM Photography Museum Amsterdam

Size doesn’t matter as even the smaller museums leave a large and lasting impression. Nestled along the Keizersgracht in Amsterdam’s centre, FOAM has a history of exposing works by world famous photographers. With a series of different exhibitions, FOAM also lends a helping hand to upcoming talent. FOAM’s perfect for a quick in-and-out visit thanks to its location and setup. Open from 10am to 6pm.

5. The Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam

Contemporary art is the principle focus of the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam. Dating from 1895, the building recently added an extension commonly known as ‘de badkuip’, or bathtub, due to its form. The expansion gives the Stedelijk Museum chance to further show a larger share of its collection. Its central location on Museumplein makes visiting the Stedelijk ideal to combine with a trip to the Rijksmuseum. Open from 10am to 6pm.