Art galleries in Amsterdam: top 12 famous locations to visit

The capital of the Netherlands is filled to the brim with art - from the fascinating design of the city itself to a number of museums that display classic and contemporary masterpieces. There are many interesting locations scattered throughout Amsterdam, from smaller commercial spaces where young artists can showcase themselves to internationally renowned projects. The list of events and exhibitions is constantly being updated and expanded, and a large number of venues are open to the public. The capital's art list is very extensive, featuring the most eclectic collections that fans from all over the world want to see with their own eyes.

If you're travelling to the vibrant capital of the Netherlands, the following list of great art galleries in Amsterdam will help you get to know the cultural code of the city and the country as a whole.

1. Rijksmuseum

Opened in 1885, Amsterdam's famous art museum and gallery contains the largest collection of art and artefacts in the country. In particular, the Rijksmuseum has four works by Vermeer and 22 by Rembrandt. The museum was created by Pierre Kuipers. It has 80 galleries where you can get acquainted with the 800-year history of Dutch art. The Rijksmuseum also presents unique historical objects, Asian and decorative art, which has a separate pavilion. Among the most famous masterpieces are the following:

• Rembrandt's "The Night Watch", which is currently being carefully restored;
• "Woman Reading a Letter" and "The Milkmaid" by Vermeer;
• masterpieces by Jan Steen and Frans Hals and much more.So, if you go to the Rijksmuseum, be prepared to spend at least a few hours, or even better - the whole day to get acquainted with a large number of masterpieces.

2. Van Gogh Museum

More than 200 paintings and 500 drawings by Van Gogh are on display in this famous art gallery in Amsterdam, recognisable by their unique palette of yellow and blue colours and broad brush strokes. In addition to the works of the most famous artist not only in the Netherlands but also around the world, there are temporary exhibitions dedicated to his contemporaries or those who were influenced by the artist. It is worth noting that it is necessary to book tickets to the Van Gogh Museum as early as possible, as the demand for this cultural and educational institution is extremely high.

3. Jewish Historical Museum

In the old Jewish quarter, four former synagogues now house the Amsterdam Museum and Gallery, which showcases the rich history of Judaism in the Netherlands through photographs, paintings and other religious paraphernalia.

The Joods Historisch Museum was founded in 1987. Its permanent exhibitions focus on Dutch Jewish culture and religious practices. For example, one exhibition featured contemporary works of art alongside ancient texts to present a fascinating look at mysticism.

The museum also has a children's wing with interactive exhibits. Unobtrusive music is always played here, and young visitors can learn about important aspects of Jewish culture through play.

4. Amsterdam Museum

Historical museums around the world should look up to the Amsterdam Museum. Here, all exhibits are presented in such a way that the institution can be called both entertaining and cultural and educational. The first exhibit in the Amsterdam gallery is the buildings themselves. These are unique labyrinthine structures dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries and built on the site of a monastery dating back to 1414.

Of course, the exhibitions are also worthy of attention. As soon as they enter, visitors are taken on a chronological journey through the capital's rich past thanks to a large number of archaeological finds. For example, you can see shoes that are over 700 years old! You've never had such a fascinating history lesson before!

5. Moko

Moko literally stands for "contemporary contemporary", which immediately tells you what awaits visitors. One of the best art galleries in Amsterdam is a private space with so many great spots to take a bright, juicy shot for your social media pages. The Moco Museum's permanent collection is housed in a spectacular early 20th century mansion. Here you can find works by the following artists:

• Jeff Koons;
• Andy Warhol;
• Keith Haring;
• Os Hemeos and others.

Some of the most recent exhibitions featured works by Icie and Soth and Daniel Arsham. There was also an "unauthorised" exhibition with the works of the famous anonymous Banksy. Before or after visiting the museum, don't forget to take a stroll around the building and see the creative sculptures in the Moco Garden.

6. Stedelijk Museum

One of the best art galleries in Amsterdam is the Stedelijk Museum, which is known not only for its large number of works of art but also for its creative bathtub extension that stands out from the underground landscape. The collection of the Stedelijk Museum includes, among others, works by the following artists:

• Jeff Koons;
• Kazimir Malevich;
• Pete Mondrian;
• Roy Lichtenstein and others.

The permanent exhibition showcases not only paintings but also design and art objects. The collections are conveniently divided into sections according to themes and social movements.

7. Foam

This Amsterdam art gallery specialising in photography is located in an old restored canal house. Foam hosts regular exhibitions that change every few months. Here you can see photographs of both world-renowned artists and young, yet unknown to the general public, creators. In addition to exhibitions, Phoam regularly organises interesting events and workshops for photography enthusiasts, and the museum publishes its own magazine.

8. Kobra Museum of Contemporary Art

Eugène Brands, Karel Appel and Kornei were relatively recently considered eccentric troublemakers. However, the artists who founded the avant-garde art movement had a major impact on the canons. CoBrA is an art gallery in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, where you can get to know alternative culture and understand its importance. The museum showcases the works of the eponymous group, which gave rise to one of the most influential art movements of the 20th century. It also periodically exhibits works by other artists. The most recent exhibitions include works by Sigmar Polke and Frida Kahlo.

9. Rembrandt House

In 1639, Rembrandt bought this house for about six thousand euros. At the time, this was a huge sum of money. Unfortunately, the spendthrift artist eventually went bankrupt in 1656 due to the pressure of mortgage payments and was forced to move. After Rembrandt was declared bankrupt, the clerks made a thorough inventory of the house. These records later helped restorers understand what the master's authentic home looked like when he lived there. This made it possible to create a famous art gallery in Amsterdam, which is also a museum. Not only Rembrandt's works are on display here, but also 17th-century furniture, antiques and art, as the famous artist was also an avid collector.

10. EYE Film Institute

The EYE Film Institute is not only a unique art gallery in Amsterdam, but also the most important film and cinema centre, restaurant and cinema in one place. The former Film Museum specialises in major retrospectives, but also offers edgy contemporary works.

The permanent exhibition includes film posters, films, projection equipment, and almost a hundred thousand photographs taken on the set of various cinematic works. The OKO complex can be reached by a free ferry from Kyiv Central Station. The building itself is worthy of special attention, dominating the rest of the northern embankment landscape.

11. Fons Welters Gallery

The story of what is now one of Amsterdam's finest galleries began 30 years ago in an old garage in the Jordaan, and has since evolved into an important cultural and artistic space of international importance. The iconic marsh green door by Jop van Lieschout still reminds us of the humble beginnings of this amazing location.

Fons Welters was the one who sought out young, unknown talents and brought them to the attention of the art world.

The gallery has two exhibitions running simultaneously thanks to its separate spaces, so visitors are always in for a double treat.

12. Annet Gelink Gallery

Annet Gelink Gallery is one of the leading and most famous art galleries in Amsterdam, located in the heart of the capital. The space was established in 2000, focusing on the work of innovative artists, both Dutch and international. Here you can see different things:

• photographs
• paintings
• drawings
• video art
• installations, etc.

The Annette Gelling Heller showcases the latest trends and individuals influencing art around the world. The Amsterdam art gallery also has an important project called The Bakery, which serves as an exhibition space and a springboard for young artists.