Museum culture in Amsterdam!

Rijksmuseum

Why Visit?

Welcome to the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam"s grand sanctuary of Dutch art and history. This iconic museum, located at the Museumplein, is easily accessible via public transport: trams 2 and 12, or bus 347 will drop you right in front. For a scenic route, rent a bike and pedal through the vibrant streets of Amsterdam to reach this architectural marvel.

Begin your day early to avoid crowds and delve into the museum"s vast collection spanning 800 years of art in a beautifully restored 19th-century building. Purchase your ticket online in advance for seamless entry. Upon entering, be greeted by the stunning central hall, leading you off into a labyrinth of over 80 galleries.

Your tour should start at the Gallery of Honour, where you will encounter masterpieces of the Dutch Golden Age. Stand in awe in front of Rembrandt’s ‘Night Watch’, marvel at Vermeer’s ‘The Milkmaid’, and reflect upon Jan Steen’s lively domestic scenes. Each painting not only offers a visual delight but also a glimpse into the cultural and historical context of 17th-century Netherlands.

Next, explore the extensive collection of exquisite Delftware, marvel at intricate dollhouses, and historic naval models, telling tales of the Dutch maritime prowess. The Asian Pavilion, a striking contrast to the classic Dutch art, presents artifacts that highlight the influence of Dutch trade in Asia.

Don"t miss the tranquil Rijksmuseum gardens. Free to all, these gardens are an artwork in themselves, featuring playful sculptures and seasonal exhibitions.

Through your visit, make use of the free Rijksmuseum app, which offers engaging audio tours to enhance your experience. Allow at least 3 to 4 hours for a thorough exploration of the museum, making sure to pause at the museum café to savor some traditional Dutch apple pie, a sweet treat to round off your cultural journey.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.

Hermitage Amsterdam

Why Visit?

Explore the cultural treasures of the Hermitage Amsterdam, a distinguished outpost of the legendary Hermitage Museum of Saint Petersburg, Russia. Nestled on the banks of the Amstel River in the heart of Amsterdam, this museum offers a unique glimpse into Russian art and history through its meticulously curated exhibitions.

Getting There: The Heritance Amsterdam is accessible via public transport. Take tram 9 or 14 to the "Waterlooplein" stop, or metro lines 51, 53, or 54 to the "Waterlooplein" station. From there, it"s just a short walk to the museum, located at Amstel 51. For those preferring a scenic route, a bike ride along the Amstel offers a picturesque approach.

Begin Your Tour: Start your visit by marveling at the impressive classical facade of the Amstelhof building, which dates back to 1681. Originally a retirement home, it has been transformed into a space that celebrates art and history. Take a moment to appreciate the way the museum blends historical architecture with modern aesthetics.

Main Exhibitions: Venture inside and immerse yourself in the primary exhibit, which changes every six months and often features masterpieces from the vast collections of the Hermitage in St. Petersburg. Past exhibitions have included treasures from the Tsars, Classical antiquities, and major Impressionist works.

Don’t Miss: Make sure to visit the Portrait Gallery of the Golden Age, which displays over thirty massive 17th-century Dutch group portraits from the Amsterdam Museum and the Rijksmuseum collections—a rare treat outside the context of the Hermitage"s usual Russian-centric exhibits.

Take a Break: Refresh and reflect on your cultural journey at the museum"s café, which offers delightful views of the Amstel River. Enjoy a cup of coffee or a light meal in this serene setting.

End Your Visit: Wrap up your tour with a stroll through the museum’s gift shop. It"s a perfect spot to find unique souvenirs and art books as a reminder of your Hermitage Amsterdam experience.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.

A’dam Lookout

Why Visit?

Discover the heights of Amsterdam at the A’DAM Lookout, an essential stop on your museum culture tour of the city. This iconic tower, redesigned in 2016, offers a panoramic view of the historic city center, the bustling port, and the unique Dutch polders.

Getting There

A’DAM Lookout is located in Amsterdam Noord, just across the IJ river. Start your journey at Amsterdam Central Station and take the free ferry towards Buiksloterweg, a short trip that offers its own scenic views of the waterfront. The Lookout is a mere two-minute walk from the ferry stop, making it an easily accessible yet exciting adventure.

What to Do

Begin your visit by ascending to the Sky Deck via the high-speed elevator, where you’re greeted by an unrivaled 360-degree view. For adrenaline seekers, the ‘Over the Edge’ swing is a must-try. It’s Europe’s highest swing, daringly perched 100 meters above the ground on the tower’s rooftop.

Cultural Insights

The Lookout isn’t just about breathtaking views; it offers a deep dive into Amsterdam’s cultural landscape. The interactive exhibition inside provides a historic rundown of the city’s evolution and its pivotal role in global trade. Each ticket includes a digital photo — a novel way to capture and remember your visit.

Tip

Visit during sunset for a truly mesmerizing experience, as the city lights begin to twinkle against the twilight sky. The Lookout also features a stylish bar and restaurant where you can indulge in some Dutch culinary delights while soaking in the picturesque vistas.

End your museum tour with this high note at A’Dam Lookout, amalgamating thrilling experiences with cultural learning, making it a memorable capstone to your exploration of Amsterdam.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.

Brouwersgracht

Why Visit?

Embark on a cultural journey along the Brouwersgracht, one of Amsterdam"s most picturesque canals, lined with historic buildings once home to the city"s vibrant brewing industry. This enchanting neighborhood, part of the Jordaan district, offers a peek into Amsterdam’s rich artistic and historical heritage.

Start your tour at the Anne Frank House. Located at Prinsengracht 263-267, this museum is a short walk from the Westermarkt tram stop. Dive into the poignant story of Anne Frank and her family, and explore the secret annex where they hid during World War II. It"s advisable to purchase tickets online in advance to avoid long queues.

Next, stroll east along the scenic canal to the Amsterdam Tulip Museum. Just a 5-minute walk from the Anne Frank House, this quaint museum at Prinsengracht 116 provides an insightful look into the history of the tulip in the Netherlands, a flower that has deeply influenced Dutch economic and cultural life.

Afterward, continue your walk to the Houseboat Museum. Located at Prinsengracht 296K, this unique museum offers a glimpse into what life is like living on the water in an actual converted freighter. The experience is both authentic and enlight the enchanting lifestyle of Amsterdam’s water residents.

Conclude your tour at FOAM, the photography museum of Amsterdam. Reach it by walking east to Keizersgracht and then north towards the museum at Keizersgracht 609. FOAM captivates with its exhibitions of both world-renowned and emerging photographers. The museum’s ever-changing roster of exhibitions means each visit offers a new perspective on photographic art.

Each site is within walking distance, making your museum tour along Brouwersgracht not only culturally enriching but also a delightful way to explore one of Amsterdam’s most storied and beautiful areas.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.

Ripley"s Believe It or Not! Amsterdam

Why Visit?

Embark on a journey into the world of the extraordinary with a visit to Ripley"s Believe It or Not! Amsterdam, the city’s most bizarre attraction, located right in the heart of the Dam Square.

Getting There

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is easily accessible via public transportation. Take tram numbers 4, 14, or 24 and alight at the Dam Square stop, or if you prefer the metro, lines 52, 53, and 54 will bring you close to the museum. For those arriving by car, parking is available at Bijenkorf or De Kolk.

Your Tour Itinerary

Start your adventure at 9:00 AM as the doors open. Begin on the ground floor with the *Odditorium*, where you"ll find over 500 exhibits and artifacts. Marvel at shrunken heads, a vampire killing kit, and a genuine piece of the Berlin Wall. Learn about Robert Ripley"s legacy, the intrepid explorer and collector who started it all.

Progress to the *Space Oddities* section, where interstellar curiosities bring the cosmos to life. Touch a piece of Mars and ponder the infinite while surrounded by extraterrestrial wonders.

Interactive displays in the *Art Corner* beckon by mid-morning. Unleash your creativity with digital graffiti or step into a replica of a traditional Dutch windmill made entirely from wooden clogs.

Take a break at Ripley’s themed café where you can enjoy a snack amidst décor that’s as unusual as the exhibits. Try the local Dutch cheese with a Ripley’s twist!

Resume your tour with the *Illusions Gallery*. Experience the mind-bending Vortex Tunnel or strike a pose in the Ames Room, where you"ll look like a giant in one corner and a dwarf in the other.

Wrap up your visit by 1:00 PM, ensuring you’ve had a thorough immersion in a world where reality defies the ordinary. Don"t forget to stop by the gift shop to pick up a peculiar souvenir to remember your surreal day at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Amsterdam.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.