Best Museums in Amsterdam in 2025 – Art & Culture Guide. Best museums in Amsterdam 2025 – planning a city trip to Amsterdam and want to dive into its rich art, culture, and history? The Dutch capital is home to some of the world’s most iconic museums, from masterpieces by Van Gogh and Rembrandt to modern art, science, and even quirky collections you won’t find anywhere else. In this complete guide, we’ll explore the top museums to visit in Amsterdam in 2025, with insider tips, visiting information, and practical advice to make the most of your cultural trip.
Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is Amsterdam’s crown jewel and one of Europe’s most famous museums. Housing masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age, it showcases works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Frans Hals, and many more. The highlight for many is Rembrandt’s The Night Watch, displayed in a specially designed gallery. In 2025, the museum continues to feature rotating exhibitions alongside its permanent collection of over 8,000 objects.
Tip: Book your tickets online in advance to avoid queues, and plan at least 3 hours to explore.
Van Gogh Museum
Dedicated entirely to the life and works of Vincent van Gogh, the Van Gogh Museum attracts millions of visitors each year. From his early sketches to world-famous paintings like Sunflowers and The Bedroom, you can trace his artistic journey in detail. Interactive exhibitions and temporary displays make 2025 an exciting year to visit, with new insights into the artist’s letters and personal struggles.
Anne Frank House
The Anne Frank House is not only a museum but also a deeply moving historical site. Visitors can step into the secret annex where Anne Frank and her family hid during World War II. Original artifacts, Anne’s diary, and immersive exhibitions make this one of the most visited and emotional experiences in Amsterdam.
Note: Tickets are released online months in advance and sell out quickly.
Stedelijk Museum
If you’re a fan of modern and contemporary art, the Stedelijk Museum is the place to be. Its collection includes works by Picasso, Mondriaan, Kandinsky, and Andy Warhol. The futuristic bathtub-shaped building itself is an architectural landmark. In 2025, expect new multimedia exhibitions and interactive installations that appeal to younger visitors as well.
Moco Museum
The Moco Museum is one of Amsterdam’s trendiest cultural hotspots, focusing on modern, street, and pop art. Featuring works by Banksy, Keith Haring, and Yayoi Kusama, it’s a vibrant alternative to traditional art museums. Its smaller size makes it perfect for a shorter visit combined with nearby attractions like the Van Gogh Museum.
Tropenmuseum
The Tropenmuseum explores world cultures through stunning ethnographic collections. With interactive exhibitions, multimedia displays, and thought-provoking storytelling, it highlights the diversity of human traditions and histories. It’s also one of the best museums in Amsterdam for families with children.
NEMO Science Museum
The NEMO Science Museum is an interactive paradise for science enthusiasts, families, and kids. Located in a striking green building shaped like a ship, NEMO offers hands-on experiments, workshops, and exhibitions that make learning fun. Don’t miss the rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Amsterdam.
Hermitage Amsterdam
Until recently affiliated with the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, the Hermitage Amsterdam now hosts independent exhibitions with a focus on Dutch history and global connections. Its rotating exhibitions mean that every visit offers something new.
Dutch Resistance Museum
The Dutch Resistance Museum (Verzetsmuseum) offers a powerful insight into the Netherlands during World War II. Personal stories, authentic artifacts, and multimedia installations tell the story of resistance, survival, and daily life under occupation. It’s both educational and emotionally impactful.
Quirky & Smaller Museums
Amsterdam is full of unique and quirky museums that make for memorable visits:
- Micropia – the world’s first museum dedicated to microbes.
- KattenKabinet – entirely dedicated to cats in art and culture.
- Hash Marihuana & Hemp Museum – focused on the history and uses of cannabis.
- Our Lord in the Attic Museum – a hidden Catholic church in a 17th-century canal house.
These smaller museums add a fun twist to your cultural city trip.
Practical Tips for Visiting Museums in Amsterdam
- Buy tickets online: Most museums require online booking in 2025.
- Get the I amsterdam City Card: Includes entry to many museums and public transport.
- Plan your time: Major museums like the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh take several hours.
- Visit early or late: Avoid peak times between 11:00 and 15:00.
- Combine locations: Many top museums are located in Museumplein, making it easy to visit several in one day.
