3 1/2 days in Amsterdam: Must-see museums

I know many folks are just not that into museums, but they’re a must for me both at home and on vacation.  Some of my happiest memories are taking art classes at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and exploring the galleries with my Mom and Grandma.  Below are the four museums I visited while in Amsterdam.  Each varies greatly in their galleries, so I really think there’s something for everyone among them!

Anne Frank Museum: This museum was the #1 recommendation people gave me for Amsterdam.  It goes without saying that it’s an incredibly emotional place, but I think everyone should visit if they have the chance.  You have to reserve tickets ahead online, as they really aren’t sold on a walk-in basis.  The sooner you can order them, the better, especially since they’re undergoing construction.  I ordered our tickets just under two months ahead, and they were pretty close to being sold out.  An adult ticket is very reasonably priced at 10,50 euros.  I don’t usually take audio guides, but I’m really glad I used the complementary one here.  Due to the construction, Anne’s original diaries have been temporarily removed, but they’re replaced by exact replicas.  Just an FYI, the steps leading to the actual hiding place are extremely steep (almost vertical).  Just something to keep in mind if you’re visiting with elderly or disabled people.

Rembrandt House Museum: This was Rembrandt’s actual home and workshop for about twenty years, and provides a great look into his daily life and work.  We ordered tickets ahead online, but it’s not really necessary.  An adult ticket is 13 euros.  This is a great little museum that showcases art while also being a historical site.  The house is about four or five floors, and we saw everything in just over an hour.  Since humans were smaller back in the 1700’s, the stairs are steep and narrow, and will be difficult for the elderly or disabled.  My favorite highlights were Rembrandt’s office and his sketches of people he observed in daily life.  Put any water bottles in the free lockers so the grumpy security guard doesn’t scold you!

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Van Gogh Museum: I was looking forward to this one the most.  I spent hours as a child looking through my Grandma’s art books and was always drawn to Van Gogh.  You have to reserve tickets ahead online, and an adult ticket is 18 euros.  I really loved this museum.  It’s three floors, but not too large, so you can easily visit in just under two hours without feeling rushed.  The paintings are displayed in somewhat chronological order with facts about his life during the time displayed on the walls.  Photography wasn’t allowed, but you’ll find some of his best-known works there, including “Sunflowers“, “Irises“, and “The Yellow House“.  There’s also a special exhibit on his Japanese-influenced works, which highlights “Almond Blossom” (one of my favorites).  Bonus: the cafe was really beautiful and had delicious food!

Rijksmuseum: This is the Dutch national gallery, and is perfect for those interested in the history of the Netherlands.  You don’t have to reserve tickets online, but I did to avoid the line.  An adult ticket is 17,50 euros.  Rijksmuseum is four floors, really vast, and honestly a little overwhelming, but don’t pressure yourself to see every single thing.  I just found this really helpful guide that I wish I read before visiting.  Photography is allowed here, which is a nice bonus.  Some of the best-know works are “The Night Watch” by Rembrandt (expect a huge crowd around this one), “The Milkmaid” by Vermeer, and “The Merry Family” by Jan Steen.  There’s also a special “High Society” exhibit, where I saw this fabulous hot pink bed!

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Moco Museum: I hadn’t hear about this one, but Tim’s friend recommended their Banksy exhibit.  It’s located right across from Rijksmuseum, so we stopped in after our visit there.  This is a very cool little museum for a modern and contemporary art lover.  You can buy tickets online, but we visited spontaneously and had no trouble walking right in.  An adult ticket is 12,50 euros.  Moco is two floors and about the size of a house, so we saw everything in just under an hour.  Photography is allowed.  I don’t think there are permanent exhibits (except for the outside sculptures).  In addition to Banksy, there was also a Roy Litchenstein exhibit, which I was excited about.  I think my favorite part was this big ol’ bear in the backyard!

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Are museums a yay or nay for you when you’re traveling?