The Netherlands has many museums worth visiting. Boring, a museum? Definitely not! We’ve compiled a list of the 24 best museums in the Netherlands for you. Ideal for a rainy afternoon or when you just want to soak up some culture. Even children will be amazed in museums that focus on experience. Whether you love history, modern art, or photography, the best museums in the Netherlands offer something for everyone. Have fun!
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24 of the BEST MUSEUMS IN THE NETHERLANDS TO VISIT
VOORLINDEN
Voorlinden Museum attracts lovers of modern and contemporary art. Located in the heart of the Randstad, you can unwind while immersing yourself in the art that surrounds you. More information about each artist in the museum is available in the library at Voorlinden. A visit to the museum pairs well with a walk through the beautiful nature surrounding Voorlinden. Clingenbosch Sculpture Garden can be visited during the summer months with a guide.
Buurtweg 90, Wassenaar – voorlinden.nl
© VOORLINDEN, wassenaar
RIJKSMUSEUM
The Rijksmuseum is best known for ‘de Nachtwacht’, which you must see at least once. Every year, people from all over the world visit the museum to marvel at masterpieces from the Golden Age. Here, you’ll find unique works by Rembrandt, Johannes Vermeer, and Jan Steen, as well as impressive sculptures by Italian artists. During the family tour, you can embark on an interactive exploration through the museum. Discover over 600 years of art and history.
Museumstraat 1, Amsterdam
© Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam
Fotomuseum aan het Vrijthof
In the centre of Maastricht, housed in a sixteenth-century building, you’ll find a small-scale photography museum. Each year, two exhibitions take place featuring major names in the photography world alongside an interesting supporting programme. The common thread here is societal relevance. Don’t forget to take in the building itself, once used as an outer palace by Emperor Charles V.
Vrijthof 18, Maastricht – fotomuseumaanhetvrijthof.nl
© Fotomuseum aan het Vrijthof, Maastricht
MORE BEST MUSEUMS IN THE NETHERLANDS TO VISIT
NATURALIS
Have you always wanted to come face to face with a T. rex named Trix? You can do so at Naturalis in Leiden. In this museum, you’ll embark on a journey of discovery through the wonderful world of nature. In the LiveScience hall, you can observe how dinosaur bones are cleaned. At the question booths, test your knowledge of the Ice Age. This interactive museum is also great for children.
Darwinweg 2, Leiden – naturalis.nl
© NATURALIS, Leiden
Foam
At Foam, everything revolves around photography in all its forms. The museum hosts changing exhibitions showcasing various genres, from historical to modern and from documentary to fashion. They also display works by emerging talents and renowned photographers. Foam alternates between long-term exhibitions and small, rapidly changing exhibitions. They also regularly organize debates on photography and related topics.
Keizersgracht 609, Amsterdam
© foam, amsterdam
CORPUS ‘JOURNEY THROUGH THE HUMAN BODY‘
Discovering how the human body works in a playful way? You can do this at CORPUS. In 55 minutes, you’ll be taken on a journey through the human body. Guided by an audio tour, you’ll walk through all the parts of the human body in a group. After this journey, you’ll learn more about your own body and the importance of exercise, healthy living, and responsible eating in a supplementary exhibition.
Willem Einthovenstraat 1, Oegstgeest – corpusexperience.nl
© CORPUS ‘reis door de mens’, Oestgeest
MORE BEST MUSEUMS IN THE NETHERLANDS TO VISIT
KUNSTHAL ROTTERDAM
Housed in a building designed by the renowned Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, Kunsthal Rotterdam is located. In a vast exhibition space, changing exhibitions are regularly organized in the fields of art and culture. Often, multiple exhibitions are held simultaneously, allowing visitors to encounter art from different parts of the world and various art movements. Because the museum does not have a permanent exhibition, you’ll keep coming back.
Westzeedijk 341, Rotterdam – kunsthal.nl
© Kunsthal Rotterdam, Rotterdam
MAURITSHUIS
The Mauritshuis, situated by the water in The Hague, is a sight to behold. In this beautiful building, intimate museum rooms display paintings by seventeenth-century Dutch and Flemish artists. The world-famous ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’ by Vermeer and ‘The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp’ by Rembrandt are among the works on display. There are also temporary exhibitions, and an art workshop is located within the building.
Plein 29, Den Haag
© Mauritshuis, Den Haag
Escher in Het Paleis
M.C. Escher is one of the most famous Dutch graphic artists. At Escher in The Palace, you can see over 120 of his works. You’ll also learn more about the person behind the artist and his life. Additionally, there are changing exhibitions featuring works by other artists. Queen Mother Emma formerly used The Palace on Lange Voorhout as a winter palace. The building itself is therefore worth a visit.
Lange Voorhout 74, Den Haag
© Escher in Het Paleis, Den Haag
Rijksmuseum van Oudheden
Antiquity and archaeology come to life at the National Museum of Antiquities. In this museum, an Egyptian temple has even been built. You’ll be taken through prehistory to the Roman era and the Middle Ages. The mummy cases are impressive, as are the grand emperor statues. There are also countless small artefacts, including ancient jewellery, in this museum. For children, there are treasure hunts, and special children’s activities are organized during school holidays.
Rapenburg 28, Leiden – rmo.nl
© Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, Leiden
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Kasteel De Haar
Kasteel De Haar is a true fairytale castle. Discover how a real baron and baroness used to live here. Additionally, the museum houses a collection of art objects ranging from French antiques to Ming artefacts and specially designed cutlery to tapestries. You can also enjoy a leisurely stroll in the surrounding park. Don’t get lost in the cleverly designed maze. Young castle visitors can pick up a treasure hunt at the castle shop.
Kasteellaan 1, Haarzuilens
© Kasteel De Haar, Haarzuilens
Van Abbemuseum
You can’t miss the Van Abbemuseum when you’re in Eindhoven because this museum is housed in a striking building. Founder Henri van Abbe was a true lover of modern art. Contemporary and modern art still takes centre stage here. Works by both Dutch and international artists are on display. Children can create their own artwork in the Children’s Art Club.
Bilderdijklaan 10, Eindhoven – vanabbemuseum.nl
© Van Abbemuseum, Eindhoven
Van Gogh
The largest collection of artworks by Vincent van Gogh is housed in the Van Gogh Museum. Tourists from around the world queue daily to admire Van Gogh’s Sunflowers. In addition to paintings, drawings, and prints by Van Gogh, this museum also features works by other nineteenth-century artists such as Monet and Gauguin. Vincent and his brother Theo collected Japanese prints, which are also exhibited in the Van Gogh Museum.
Museumplein 6, Amsterdam
© Van Gogh, Amsterdam
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Museum de Fundatie
The museum of visual arts in the centre of Zwolle is Museum de Fundatie. Here, you’ll encounter a collection of old, modern, and contemporary art, ethnographic objects, and applied arts. Much attention is given to the collection of artist and collector Paul Citroen. The museum has works by the artist himself, Jan Sluyters, Karel Appel, and Charley Toorop. If you enjoyed the museum, also visit the other location at Castle Het Nijenhuis in Heino/Wijhe.
Blijmarkt 20, Zwolle – museumdefundatie.nl
© Museum de Fundatie, Zwolle
Kröller Müller
In the Gelderland village of Otterlo, you’ll find the Kröller-Müller Museum, one of the most famous museums in the Netherlands located in the midst of De Hoge Veluwe National Park. The sculpture garden with 160 sculptures is beautifully situated amidst greenery. Furthermore, the museum is known for its large and unique collection of artworks by Vincent van Gogh. Additionally, there are paintings by Picasso and Monet and artworks by Mondriaan.
Houtkampweg 6, Otterlo
© Kröller Müller, Otterloo
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Stedelijk Museum
The Stedelijk Museum of Amsterdam houses one of the most important collections of contemporary art and design in the world. Various movements are represented here with national and international artists. The collection is structured around themes that show how societal developments are intertwined with art and design. Find works here by Vincent van Gogh, Andy Warhol, Charley Toorop, and Piet Mondriaan.
Museumplein 10, Amsterdam
© Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam
MORE
In the former town hall of Gorssel, you will find Museum MORE, a museum of modern realism. Here, works by renowned artists such as Charley Toorop, Pyke Koch, and Dick Ket are on display. In addition to the permanent collection, there are constantly changing exhibitions. Workshops, guided tours, and lectures are also regularly held. Castle Ruurlo is also part of Museum MORE, where you can find works by Carel Willink.
Hoofdstraat 28, Gorssel – museummore.nl
© MORE, Gorssel
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Museum van de Volkenkunde
Interested in learning more about other cultures? The Museum of Ethnology in Leiden takes you on a journey across different continents. You’ll encounter art and objects from Africa and Oceania. There are also rotating exhibitions featuring objects from around the world. Children can participate in workshops and treasure hunts, and events are regularly organized.
Steenstraat 1, Leiden
© Museum van de Volkenkunde, Leiden
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Louwman Museum
Car enthusiasts will enjoy the Louwman Museum, home to the world’s largest private collection of cars. In addition to cars, you’ll find carriages and motorcycles here. The Louwman family were avid collectors of automobiles. Each car has its own story, contributing to a piece of history. Witness the evolution of the automobile from the nineteenth century onwards.
Leidsestraatweg 57, Den Haag – louwmanmuseum.nl
© Louwman Museum, Den Haag
Depot Boijmans van Beuningen
Normally closed to the public, art depots are accessible at the Boijmans van Beuningen Museum Depot, the first open-to-the-public art depot in the world. It houses over 152,000 artworks. Visitors not only have the opportunity to view the art objects but also learn about collection management and maintenance. The museum next to the depot is closed for several years due to extensive renovations, but the depot alone serves as an excellent day activity.
Museumpark 18, Rotterdam – boijmans.nl
© Depot Boijmans van Beuningen, Rotterdam
Nederlands Openlucht museum
Step back in time at the Netherlands Open Air Museum. This museum is an adventure for children as well. You’ll see objects from the recent past and even from two centuries ago. Visit an old bakery or a shop, and see how people lived in their homes. History truly comes alive here.
Hoeferlaan 4, Arnhem
© Nederlands Openlucht museum, Arnhem
Groninger Museum
Every Groninger is familiar with the striking building of the Groninger Museum. The unique shape and colourful facade are promising, and the interior doesn’t disappoint either. The collection is a diverse array of art, covering themes like fashion, contemporary art, and postmodern design. There are also regularly changing exhibitions about the province of Groningen and the city.
Museumeiland 1, Groningen – groningermuseum.nl
© Groninger Museum, Groningen
best museums in the netherlands
Moco Museum
MOCO stands for modern contemporary art. This museum focuses on renowned names from the international art world, with a permanent exhibition dedicated to street artist Banksy. Here, you’ll find many of his famous works like Flower Thrower, Girl with the Balloon, and Barcode. Temporary exhibitions also feature famous artists such as Andy Warhol, Salvador Dalí, and Roy Lichtenstein. The museum is located in the historic Villa Alsberg on Museumplein.
Honthorststraat 20, Amsterdam
© Moco Museum, Amsterdam
Amsterdam Bucketlist & Things to Do
(DIGITAL) ART EXPERIENCES IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Fabrique des Lumières
⋙ NXT Museum
⋙ STRAAT street art museum
⋙ MOCO Museum for street and modern art
⋙ Amaze, an audiovisual labyrint
FOOD EXPERIENCES IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Food Tasting Tour of Jordaan area
⋙ Albert Cuyp Market Food Tour
⋙ Sightseeing Boat Cruise with unlimited drinks
⋙ Pancake Cruise
⋙ Micro Brewery Beer Tasting Tour
BEST BIKE TOURS IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Fatbike e-bike tour (also to Amsterdam North)
⋙ Rent a bike by yourself and explore like a local
⋙ Outside of Amsterdam: windmills & Zaanse Schans
⋙ 3 hour biketour: backstreets & hidden gems
FIRST TIME VISIT TO AMSTERDAM – MUST SEE & DO’S:
⋙ Private Canal Boat Tour
⋙ Rijksmuseum with the Dutch masters
⋙ Van Gogh Museum, a staple in Amsterdam
⋙ Stedelijk Museum for modern art lovers
⋙ Canal Cruise in the evening
INSTAGRAM MUSEUMS IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Discover the Instagrammable experience WONDR
⋙ Youseum
⋙ The Upside Down
DAY TRIPS FROM AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Get out of town and into the Dutch country side of Giethoorn
⋙ Drive-it-Yourself Tulip Fields GPS Audio Tour
⋙ Catch a direct train from Amsterdam to Antwerp, Brussels, London or Paris, starting at € 20,-! Check tickets & prices >>
AMSTERDAM WITH KIDS:
⋙ Visit Artis Royal Zoo
⋙ Go an a bike tour with the kids
⋙ NEMO Science Museum
SPIRNG / SUMMER IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Paddle board tour on the canals
⋙ Go for a kayak-tour in Amsterdam
FALL / WINTER IN AMSTERDAM:
⋙ Amsterdam Light Festival boat tour
⋙ Amsterdam Light Festival bike tour
| TIP: Buy an I amsterdam City Card. Save money on entrance fees to museums and attractions, public transport and profit from discounts on everything from restaurants to concerts. You can also skip some lines to make the most of your time in Amsterdam! You can buy a card for 24 hours up to 120 hours. Check the prices here >>
Our favourite hotels in Amsterdam:
TOP LUXURY // €€€
☾ Pillows Maurits at the Park: this newly opened hotel is all about luxury.
☾ Pulitzer Amsterdam: on the canals at the border of the Nine Streets and the Jordaan.
☾ L’Europe: recently renovated, this hotel has the best spa with a view in Amsterdam.
☾ Conservatorium Hotel: located in one of the most beautiful buildings in town.
☾ Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam: if you have something to celebrate this is the one.
☾ W Amsterdam: with lively restaurants and a posh rooftop bar with swimming pool.
VERY VERY NICE // €€
☾ The Hoxton: favourite lifestyle hotel right on the canals with great all day bar.
☾ Hotel Jakarta: the most sustainable hotel ánd great value for money with a spa.
☾ Hotel V: with two locations and a great restaurant, in the city center and East.
☾ Sir Adam: with the coolest view over Amsterdam from the North side.
☾ Sweets: a unique stay in former bridge houses.
☾ Hotel Dwars: small scale and around the corner of the trendy Utrechtsestraat.
☾ Hotel Mercier: pretty new hotel in the cosy and historic Jordaan district.
☾ INK Hotel: lifestyle hotel in the heart of the city by MGallery.
☾ Morgan & Mees: boutique hotel with restaurant in Amsterdam West.
☾ Conscious Hotel Westerpark: in a beautiful building at the industrial Westergas area.
☾ Ruby Emma: eco design hotel with a great skybar near Amstel station.
AFFORDABLE (FOR AMSTERDAM PRICES) // €
☾ Generator Hostel: the best poshtel of the city located in a park.
☾ The Social Hub budget proof in trendy East district close tho the subway.
☾ Het Volkshotel: affordable and with a cool rooftop bar.
☾ CitizenM: all you need is that XL bed (location near Amstel is great).
☾ Motel One: budget design hotel with several locations in Amsterdam.
Let’s get social
I really hope you enjoy your time in Amsterdam! On my Instagram account @yourlbb and @yourlbb.amsterdam you can find more recommendations and new hotspots in town.
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