World-class art in Amsterdam

One of the world’s great art collections, the Rijksmuseum is packed with Dutch Golden Age masterpieces, showcasing the finest works of Rembrandt, Hals and Vermeer alongside memorable dolls’ houses and Delftware.

A total of 8,000 exhibits are displayed in 80 rooms – including an Asia Pavilion – tracing 800 years of Dutch art and culture.

The Rijksmuseum is also one of the world’s oldest state museums. It first opened in 1800 before moving in 1885 to its current location in a grand neo-Renaissance building, designed by Pierre Cuypers.

Follow the story of Van Gogh’s life through two hundred works of art, displayed chronologically to show the troubled artist’s development. The exhibition begins with gloomy Dutch scenes, before proceeding to classic, optimistic works painted in Arles (such as Sunflowers and The Bedroom).

The exhibition ends with the foreboding landscapes around Auvers-sur-Oise, painted just before his suicide. The top floor holds an extensive collection of art by other leading 19th-century painters, and a wing at the rear showcases major exhibitions.

One of the city’s ‘Big Three’ art museums, the Stedelijk showcases an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, highlighting international artists of the 19th to 21st centuries.

The collection features renowned artists like Van Gogh, Mondrian, and Warhol, along with innovative installations by contemporary artists. There’s a fine collection of works by Piet Mondrian. Temporary exhibitions explore various themes and artistic movements.

All housed in a striking, avant-garde design building that’s become an architectural landmark.

The newest addition to Museumplein’s art attractions, this privately-owned museum specialises in contemporary art and exhibitions from famous artists such as Banksy, Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, and Salvador Dali. The museum aims to make modern art accessible to a wider audience, featuring works that are often controversial and thought-provoking.

Look out for iconic works such as Banksy’s ‘Laugh Now’ and ‘Beanfield’, as well as various temporary exhibitions that explore the latest trends in contemporary art. In addition, the museum features a unique collaboration with the Van Gogh Museum, where visitors can see some of Van Gogh’s most famous works interpreted by contemporary artists.