Did you know that in Amsterdam, there are more than 60 different museums? Each month comes with an exciting list of new exhibitions to explore. From Rijksmuseum to Stedelijk Museum, FOAM or STRAAT Museum. There’s so much to discover in Amsterdam. That’s why we’ve created the ultimate museum agenda & exhibitions guide in Amsterdam with 10 tips to visit in May 2024. So, in one handy overview, you’ll discover the best tips to see this month.
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MUSEUM AGENDA & EXHIBITIONS IN AMSTERDAM: May 2024
COSMIC REALISM
The Eye Filmmuseum presents Cosmic Realism, the first retrospective exhibition featuring works by artists Paravel and Castaing-Taylor. They constantly strive to create an innovative cinematic language that transcends traditional, human-centered perspectives in anthropology.
Until May 20, 2024, Eye Filmmuseum – eyefilm.nl
FOAM TALENT
Foam presents the work of a new generation of artists in the group exhibition Foam Talent 2024-2025. The 20 visionary photographers, selected from 2,480 entries from 106 countries, offer a view on contemporary themes. The exhibition deeply explores how individual identity relates to the collective. Using various media and techniques, an extensive story is told, leveraging the power of photography to establish connections between past and present.
Until 22nd May 2024, FOAM – foam.org
HOME AND THE WORLD
Dive deeper into history at Museum Van Loon, which initially focused on the VOC and the slavery past, but now explores the complex ties between colonialism and nationalism. The exhibition Home and the World, curated by Thomas J. Berghuis, showcases the visions of 14 artists, exploring alternative societal models with decolonial strategies.
T/m 7 juli, Museum Van Loon – museumvanloon.nl
World Press Photo
De Nieuwe Kerk Amsterdam presents the world premiere of the World Press Photo exhibition! Explore the most impressive journalistic photos and documentary photography of the past year, carefully selected by the jury.
T/m 14 juli 2024, Nieuwe Kerk Amsterdam – worldpressphoto.org
MUSEUM AGENDA & EXHIBITIONS IN AMSTERDAM
Marina Abramović
Explore the rich artistic heritage of Marina Abramović in the largest Dutch overview ever! More than 60 significant works reveal fifty years of performance art, from her early days to her current solo work.
Until Juli 14, 2024, Stedelijk Museum – stedelijk.nl
Tjalf Sparnaay – The Bigger Picture
With ‘The Bigger Picture’ anniversary exhibition, Museum JAN in Amstelveen celebrates the 70th birthday of artist Tjalf Sparnaay. Over 60 works from various collections highlight his oeuvre, from early illustrations to the newest food paintings. Sparnaay is known for his hyperrealistic paintings of everyday objects.
Until 16nd July 2024, Museum Jan – museumjan.nl
mUSEUM AGENDA & EXHIBITIONS IN AMSTERDAM
UNDER/wear
An entire exhibition about… underwear! Underwear has played and still plays an important role. From corsets to hoop skirts, bras, and shapewear, everything that is necessary to meet beauty ideals. At the Rijksmuseum, you can admire the most beautiful underwear, including that of Hendrik Casimir, Count of Nassau-Dietz.
Until June 16, 2024, Rijksmuseum – rijksmuseum.nl
RANDOM INTERNATIONAL – NXT MUSEUM
The post-digital art group Random International is presenting a new exhibition at NXT Museum. The exhibition takes you on an audiovisual journey, tracing the evolution of the art group since their inception in 2006 to the artists’ creative process to the present
Until June 30, 2024, NXT Museum – nxtmuseum.com
MUSEUM AGENDA & EXHIBITIONS IN AMSTERDAM
MATTHEW WONG | VINCENT VAN GOGH
Discover the story of Chinese-Canadian artist Matthew Wong, who began painting at the age of 27 and developed a unique style inspired by Van Gogh. This exhibition explores the deep connection between both artists, both artistically and personally.
Until September 1, 2024, Van Gogh Museum – vangoghmuseum.nl
he Art of Drag
“The Art of Drag” showcases a unique collection of art, from androgynous portraits from the past to contemporary drag art. This exhibition illuminates the rich history and evolution of gender expression through art from different eras.
T/m 13 oktober 2024, Frans Hals Museum – franshalsmuseum.nl
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.