Alongside London and Paris, Amsterdam is one of the most important cultural centres in the world. It should definitely be on the itinerary of every art lover touring Europe.
The city’s numerous art galleries are just a small part of Amsterdam’s rich tapestry of culture, including art, music and drama. It’s a must for any culture vulture.
View Amsterdam Art in a larger map
Discover the finest exhibits that Amsterdam has to offer
Any culture exploration of Amsterdam should begin in Museumplein (Museum Square) which, as the name aptly suggests, is home to some of the city’s most important museums: the Rijksmuseum; the Stedelijk; and the Van Gogh Museum.
The Stedelijk has just recently re-opened its doors after an epic refurbishment that spanned nearly a decade. That hasn’t stopped the modern art institution from hosting great art exhibits, however, as during the refurbishment, it played host to lots of pop up exhibitions around the city. That said, it doesn’t beat seeing pieces in the original building, which opened its doors to be public again in November last year.
If you are not that much into modern art, don’t worry, there is still plenty for you to see in Museumplein. The infamous artist Vincent Van Gogh spent a short time in Amsterdam and, as a result, there is an entire museum dedicated to his work. Unsurprisingly, it is one of the most visited museums in Amsterdam, so bear in mind you’d better get there early if you want to avoid the crowds.
Still in Museumplein, we have Rijksmuseum, which houses some of the most important Dutch art in the world. Fans of Rembrandt will spot a few examples of his work, including De Nachtwacht (The Night Watch), but if you really want a Rembrandt fix, head to Rembrandthuis (Rembrandt House). Here, there are lots of pieces by the famous Dutch artist and others who have been inspired by his work, all in the setting of a lovingly maintained 17th century interior.
Amsterdam is also home to lots of little (and not so little) independent art galleries that showcase the cutting edge of fresh European art today in a variety of media, ranging from detailed paintings to minimalist abstract photography.
Our favourites include the Ververs Gallery on Hazenstraat, which offers a warm and friendly space to see some interesting pieces, and the W139, which has been a contemporary art institution for over quarter of a century. But it’s not just Dutch art that is represented in Amsterdam. The Grimm Fine Art Centre on Keizersgracht hosts some eye catching pieces by emerging German artists, including Jonathan Meese and Daniel Richter.
No matter what your taste is, you are bound to find something that you like in Amsterdam’s blossoming art scene. Whether you prefer classical pieces of Rembrandt and Van Gogh, or cutting edge modern pieces, there is a gallery in the city that is right for you.