Museum hopping in Amsterdam
There are many reasons to visit Amsterdam—the biked-lined streets, the culture, the sights, the, ahem, cafes. But whether you're there for a stop-over on your way to another European destination, or there to engulf yourself in the Dutch way of life, there is one aspect of Amsterdam you shouldn't ignore—the arts.
Whether it's the laid-back lifestyle or the quaint streets, Amsterdam is the European hot spot for museums. Spend a day combing through the city's best, most revered and interesting museums with this guide.
The Van Gogh Museum
Vincent Van Gogh hailed from the Netherlands. So it makes sense that Amsterdam houses the largest collection of his inspiring works at the Van Gogh Museum (Paulus Potterstraat 7,1071 CX Amsterdam). From sketches on thin pieces of paper to his famous landscapes and portraits (think the classic landscape Starry Night) you can catch a glimpse of what makes this artist so influential to this day.
The museum also showcases many other artists who have been inspired by Van Gogh in its clean, modern building that is an amazing juxtaposition to the flowing strokes of the master painter's brush. For anyone who appreciates fine art, the Van Gogh museum is an absolute must.
The Anne Frank House
The life of the young Jewish girl who captured the world's heart with her diary written during World War II can be experienced first hand at the Anne Frank House (Prinsengracht in Amsterdam). Step inside Anne's world and take a glimpse at the "Secret Annex," the infamous spot where she hid before being captured by the Nazis. The museum has been open to the public since 1960, when Frank's father acquired the property again through the Anne Frank Foundation.
In addition to showcasing Anne's poetry and writing, her childhood home and hiding place, the museum is dedicated to housing exhibitions that highlight and demonstrate all forms of persecution and discrimination. If the story of Anne Frank touched your heart, visiting and touring her childhood home will help you truly understand her world.
Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum (Frans van Mierisstraat 92, Amsterdam) translated to English means State Museum. It is recognized for housing some of the best and most famous early Netherlandish paintings. It is also home to a large collection of Dutch paintings from the Golden Age. Vincent Van Gogh once said he would give 10 years of his life to spend 14 days staring at the painting titled "the Jewish Bride" found at the Rijksmuseum as part of their collection entitled The Masterpieces. That collection also includes pieces by Rembrandt and those who studied under him. View drawings by Jacob Cats and incredible paintings detailing Holland's lively past, Dutch royalty, a life lived by the sea in the Netherlands, and, of course, endless paintings of tulips.
