Amsterdam has one of the richest concentrations of museums in Europe, from the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum on Museumplein to small collections devoted to a single house, a church or a mechanical piano. This section lists museums and art galleries across the city, Amstelveen and Muiden, including contemporary art spaces and commercial galerieën.
For the headline sights and how to plan a visit, see our guide to Amsterdam's museums and attractions and the wider museums and attractions section. For film, talks and exhibitions under one roof, see the city's cultural centres.
How to choose a museum in Amsterdam
The three best-known museums, the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk, stand around Museumplein, so a single day can take in more than one. The biggest names are busy all year, so book a timed ticket on the museum's own site before you go. Smaller museums, from the Rembrandt House to Museum Het Schip, reward a slower visit.
For contemporary art, look beyond the museums to the city's galleries and art spaces, several of which are free to walk into. Each listing links to the venue's own site for opening times and tickets.
Questions people ask
What are the most visited museums in Amsterdam?
By Google reviews, the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum are by far the most reviewed, each with close to or more than 100,000 reviews, followed by NEMO Science Museum.
Do I need to book museum tickets in advance in Amsterdam?
For the busiest museums, such as the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, booking a timed ticket in advance on the museum's own site is strongly advised.
Which Amsterdam museums are good for children?
NEMO Science Museum is built for hands-on learning, KiMu Kinderkunstmuseum in Noord lets children look at and make art,.
Where can I see contemporary art in Amsterdam?
The Stedelijk Museum on Museumplein is the city's museum of modern and contemporary art. Galleries and art spaces such as W139, De Appel, Framer Framed, Galerie Ron Mandos and Arti et Amicitiae show current work.
Are there museums outside the centre worth the trip?
Yes. The Muiderslot castle and the fortress island of Pampus near Muiden, and the Cobra Museum and Museum Jan in Amstelveen, are all within easy reach of the city.