The Museum Card, is a popular cultural pass in the Netherlands that grants holders unlimited access to a wide range of museums across the country.
The Museum Card is a convenient and cost-effective way to explore the rich cultural offerings of the Netherlands, making it a popular choice among both locals and tourists alike.
The Museum Card can also be used in many museums and cultural institutions in Amsterdam, giving cardholders access to a wide variety of exhibits and attractions.
- 15 Standard Museums in Amsterdam
- Art：Rijksmuseum
- Art：Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam
- Art：H’art museum
- Great master：Van Gogh Museum
- Great master：Rembrandt House Museum
- History：Amsterdam Museum
- History：Stadsarchief Amsterdam
- Historical：Old church
- Historical：New church
- Historical：Royal Palace
- History of Jewish：Anne Frank House
- History of Jewish：National Holocaust Museum
- History of Jewish：Resistance Museum
- History of Jewish：Jewish Historical Museum
- History of Jewish：Portugese synagoge
15 Standard Museums in Amsterdam
There are a total of 41 museums in Amsterdam that accept the Museum Card. Of these, 15 of them are standard museums, including museums familiar from guidebooks, as well as historic museums in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and Europe.
Art：Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is renowned for its extensive collection of Dutch art and history, including masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age.
You can enjoy unlimited access to the Rijksmuseum’s vast collection, which includes works by famous Dutch painters such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Frans Hals. Visitors can explore iconic artworks like Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch” and Vermeer’s “The Milkmaid,” as well as countless other paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and historical artifacts.
In addition to its permanent collection, the Rijksmuseum also hosts temporary exhibitions that cover a wide range of topics related to Dutch art, history, and culture. Whether you’re interested in Renaissance art, Dutch maritime history, or the decorative arts of the 17th century, there’s always something fascinating to discover at the Rijksmuseum.
Art：Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam
The Stedelijk Museum is dedicated to modern and contemporary art and design and features a diverse collection of works from the late 19th century to the present day.
You can explore the Stedelijk Museum’s extensive collection, which includes paintings, sculptures, prints, photography, design objects, and multimedia installations. The museum showcases works by renowned artists such as Piet Mondrian, Kazimir Malevich, Willem de Kooning, and Marlene Dumas, among others.
In addition to its permanent collection, the Stedelijk Museum hosts temporary exhibitions that highlight various themes, movements, and artists from the world of modern and contemporary art and design. These exhibitions offer visitors the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge artistic practices and explore new ideas and perspectives.
Whether you’re interested in abstract art, pop art, conceptual art, or contemporary design, the Stedelijk Museum offers a rich and dynamic cultural experience for Museumkaart holders and art enthusiasts alike. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the vibrant and ever-evolving world of modern and contemporary art in Amsterdam.
Art：H’art museum
H’art museum was a satellite museum of the State Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia. In 2023, the museum severed its ties with Russia, entered into partnerships with the British Museum and Center Pompidou, and changed its name to H’art museum.
H’art museum is planning new exhibitions in cooperation with partner museums. This is an art museum where you can look forward to future exhibition information.
Great master：Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum is dedicated to the life and works of the renowned Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh, featuring the world’s largest collection of his paintings, drawings, and letters.
You can explore the Van Gogh Museum’s extensive collection, which includes iconic works such as “The Bedroom,” “Sunflowers,” “Irises,” and “Almond Blossom,” among many others. The museum provides a comprehensive overview of Van Gogh’s artistic development, from his early works in the Netherlands to his later masterpieces created in France.
In addition to its permanent collection, the Van Gogh Museum also hosts temporary exhibitions that explore various aspects of Van Gogh’s life, art, and legacy, as well as exhibitions that highlight the work of other artists who were influenced by or associated with Van Gogh.
Great master：Rembrandt House Museum
This Rembrandt House Museum is dedicated to the life and work of the renowned Dutch artist Rembrandt van Rijn. It is located in the house where Rembrandt lived and worked during the height of his career in the 17th century.
You can explore the Rembrandt House Museum’s collection, which includes etchings, drawings, and other artworks by Rembrandt, as well as works by his contemporaries and students. The museum also provides insights into Rembrandt’s life and studio practice, offering visitors the opportunity to explore reconstructed period rooms and learn about the techniques and materials used by the artist.
History：Amsterdam Museum
This Amsterdam Museum is dedicated to the history, art, and culture of the city of Amsterdam, offering visitors insights into its development from its early days as a small fishing village to its status as a thriving global metropolis.
You can explore the Amsterdam Museum’s diverse collection, which includes artifacts, artworks, photographs, and multimedia installations that showcase various aspects of Amsterdam’s history and identity. The museum covers topics such as the city’s Golden Age prosperity, its role as a center of trade and commerce, its cultural diversity, and its ongoing development and innovation.
History：Stadsarchief Amsterdam
While it’s not a traditional museum in the sense of displaying artworks or artifacts, the Stadsarchief Amsterdam is a fascinating cultural institution that offers insights into the history and development of Amsterdam.
The Stadsarchief houses a vast collection of historical documents, photographs, maps, prints, and other archival materials related to the city of Amsterdam. Visitors can explore these resources to learn about various aspects of Amsterdam’s history, including its architecture, urban planning, social life, economy, and governance.
With your Museumkaart, you can access the Stadsarchief’s reading room and research facilities, where you can study historical documents and conduct research on topics of interest.
Historical：Old church
The Old Church (Oude Kerk) is a historic church located in the heart of Amsterdam’s Red Light District. While it’s not typically considered a museum, it does have historical and cultural significance and occasionally hosts exhibitions.
The Oude Kerk is the oldest building in Amsterdam, dating back to the early 14th century. It was originally built as a Catholic church but later became a Protestant church during the Reformation. The church features an impressive Gothic interior, with vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows, and a beautiful wooden roof.
In addition to its architectural significance, the Oude Kerk also houses several notable works of art, including a series of Renaissance-era wooden choir stalls and a magnificent organ dating back to the 17th century.
Historical：New church
The New Church (Nieuwe Kerk) in Amsterdam is another significant historical and cultural site in the city. While it’s primarily a place of worship, it also serves as a venue for various events and exhibitions throughout the year.
The Nieuwe Kerk is located on Dam Square, adjacent to the Royal Palace. It dates back to the late 15th century and is known for its stunning Gothic architecture, impressive interior, and historic connections to the Dutch royal family.
While the Nieuwe Kerk does not have a permanent collection like a traditional museum, it frequently hosts temporary exhibitions covering a wide range of topics, including art, history, culture, and current events. These exhibitions often feature works of art, artifacts, and multimedia installations, providing visitors with unique insights into various aspects of Dutch and international culture.
Historical：Royal Palace
The Royal Palace of Amsterdam (Koninklijk Paleis Amsterdam), is a stunning architectural and historical landmark located on Dam Square in the heart of Amsterdam. While it’s primarily the official residence of the Dutch monarch in the city, it also serves as a venue for various events, exhibitions, and guided tours.
The Royal Palace was originally built in the 17th century as a city hall during the Dutch Golden Age and later became a royal palace in the early 19th century. It is renowned for its magnificent architecture, grand interiors, and rich history.
Visitors to the Royal Palace can explore its opulent rooms, including the Council Chamber, the Citizens’ Hall, and the Great Hall, which features impressive ceiling paintings by renowned Dutch artists. The palace also houses a collection of historical artifacts, furniture, and artworks that provide insights into its royal and civic past.
In addition to its permanent features, the Royal Palace often hosts temporary exhibitions and cultural events that showcase various aspects of Dutch history, art, and culture. These exhibitions may cover topics such as the Dutch monarchy, the city of Amsterdam, or broader themes related to Dutch heritage.
History of Jewish：Anne Frank House
The Anne Frank House (Anne Frank Huis) in Amsterdam is a museum dedicated to preserving the memory of Anne Frank, a Jewish girl who hid with her family and others in a secret annex during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. The museum is located in the actual building where Anne Frank and her family hid, providing visitors with a powerful and poignant glimpse into their lives during this tumultuous time.
Visitors to the Anne Frank House can explore the secret annex where Anne and her family lived in hiding for more than two years, as well as view artifacts, photographs, and other materials that provide context and insight into their lives during this period. The museum also offers guided tours, educational programs, and special exhibitions that further illuminate Anne Frank’s story and its significance today.
History of Jewish：National Holocaust Museum
The National Holocaust Museum (Nationaal Holocaustmuseum) is a new museum scheduled to open on March 10, 2024.
The first and only museum dedicated to the history of Jewish persecution in the Netherlands.
History of Jewish：Resistance Museum
The Resistance Museum (Verzetsmuseum) in Amsterdam is a museum dedicated to preserving and commemorating the history of the Dutch resistance during World War II. It provides insights into the courageous efforts of individuals and groups who resisted Nazi occupation and collaborated with the Dutch government in exile.
At the Verzetsmuseum, visitors can explore various exhibitions that document the stories of resistance fighters, underground movements, and ordinary citizens who risked their lives to oppose the Nazi regime. The museum showcases artifacts, photographs, documents, and personal testimonies that illustrate the challenges and sacrifices faced by those involved in the resistance.
The museum also examines the broader context of life in the Netherlands during the war years, including the impact of Nazi occupation on Dutch society, the persecution of Jews and other targeted groups, and the challenges of daily life under occupation.
History of Jewish：Jewish Historical Museum
The Jewish Historical Museum (Joods Historisch Museum) is a cultural institution in Amsterdam dedicated to the history and culture of the Jewish community in the Netherlands. It’s a significant site for understanding Jewish heritage and history, especially in Amsterdam.
The museum showcases various aspects of Jewish life, traditions, and contributions to Dutch society through its exhibitions, artifacts, artworks, and multimedia installations. Visitors can explore permanent exhibitions that cover topics such as Jewish religious practices, family life, migration, and the impact of the Holocaust on Dutch Jewry.
History of Jewish：Portugese synagoge
The Portuguese Synagogue, also known as the Esnoga, is a historic synagogue located in the heart of Amsterdam’s Jewish Quarter. It is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city and serves as a symbol of the rich Jewish heritage of Amsterdam.
Constructed in the 17th century, the Portuguese Synagogue is one of the oldest and largest synagogues in Europe. It was built by Spanish and Portuguese Jews who fled the Inquisition and sought refuge in Amsterdam, which was known for its religious tolerance and liberal policies at the time.
The synagogue’s architecture is a masterpiece of Dutch Golden Age design, featuring a majestic interior with soaring pillars, high ceilings, and exquisite wooden furnishings. The building is lit primarily by natural light streaming in through large windows, creating a serene and contemplative atmosphere.
Today, the Portuguese Synagogue still serves as a place of worship for the Jewish community of Amsterdam, hosting regular services, holiday celebrations, and special events. It is also open to visitors who wish to explore its historic sanctuary, learn about its rich history, and admire its architectural beauty.