Whats in the Article
Explore the top art galleries in Amsterdam and The Hague from classic masters like Van Gogh to modern art icons like Banksy and Andy Warhol.
Amsterdam and The Hague are world-renowned hubs for art and culture, boasting some of the world’s most iconic galleries, museums and collections. Both cities are well-known for their rich art history, with over 230 galleries and museums between them.
For an impromptu honeymoon, we took a two-week trip to The Netherlands‘ capital city, as well as neighbouring city, The Hague. As art lovers, we seized the opportunity to fit in an eclectic mix, visiting everything from classic masterpieces to the weird and wonderful world of modern art. The Netherlands is well known for being a seamless blend of historical charm, classical art and modern liberal stances, making it the perfect holiday destination for anyone wanting to add a little culture to their travels.
So, here’s our breakdown of the best art galleries and museums in Amsterdam and The Hague.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the capital city of The Netherlands, but it is also considered one of the cultural capitals of the world. Known for its stunning 17th-century canal system – a recognised UNESCO World Heritage Site – Amsterdam is also home to iconic architecture and quaint streets, making a stroll through the city a sightseeing experience in itself. Amsterdam also holds a key place in European history as the hiding place of Anne Frank during the Second World War, where she famously wrote a diary of her experience.
With over 200 galleries and museums in Amsterdam, it’s not surprising that we struggled to choose which ones we could fit in, but we managed to visit seven of them, with a huge range of themes and experiences to soak in.
Our Top Art Galleries and Museums in Amsterdam
Van Gogh Museum
Easily one of the most globally acclaimed artists, Vincent Van Gogh was born in The Netherlands, making the Van Gogh Museum hold important personal ties to the historical painter. Dedicated to his famously unusual life and easily recognisable artwork, the museum is home to some of his most iconic paintings, such as Sunflowers, The Bedroom, and Wheatfield with Crows. Visitors can see the largest collection of Van Gogh’s paintings and drawings in the world and learn about his troubled life, as well as his influence on the art world.
Moco Museum
Focusing on modern and contemporary art, the Moco is home to works by the likes of Andy Warhol, Banksy, and Jean-Michel Basquiat. The wide range of thought-provoking pieces blends art with social commentary in a modern setting. Though not a particularly large art gallery, taking probably little over an hour to explore, seeing some of the most celebrated artworks first-hand was a breathtaking experience. The focus on modern, street and pop art makes Moco the perfect place for those looking for more recent artists, and is home to a couple of immersive artworks, forming a space that absorbs visitors.
NXT Museum
The first gallery in Amsterdam that focuses on immersive digital art, NXT Museum was our favourite of all the places we visited during our time in The Netherlands. The large-scale, multi-sensory exhibits focus on making the viewer part of the art, blending technology and innovation with creativity to produce walk-through pieces that interact with viewers.
One of the most engaging pieces was Living Room, where visitors can walk through a pitch-black space as vertical beams of light follow their movements, forming an almost prison-bar effect. We also loved Swarm Study, inspired by the movements of nature – such as schools of fish or flocks of birds – the piece follows the motions of the viewer and forms hypnotic dancing lights. For those who enjoy a deeply immersive, unique experience of art, NXT Museum is a place that will leave you in awe for the rest of the day.
Anne Frank House
The Diary of Anne Frank is widely considered one of the most important insights into life during The Second World War. The museum is located in the very house Anne Frank and her family were in hiding in Amsterdam during their efforts to escape the prejudice faced by Jewish people through the war, and visitors can see for themselves where she hid and what life was like for the family whilst in hiding. Poignant and moving, Anne Frank House felt like an important piece of history that the world should see, offering a deeper understanding of the hardships faced by people in Europe during the war.
Rijksmuseum
As the most famous art gallery in The Netherlands, Rijksmuseum is home to a permanent collection of classical masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age. The gallery is home to pieces by iconic artists such as Rembrandt and Vermeer, as well as housing two of Van Gogh’s self-portraits. The collection at Rijksmuseum holds pieces that span over 800 years of art history and is the ideal visit for those looking to see some of the world’s most famous classical artworks.
Stedelijk Museum
At the forefront of modern and contemporary art, Stedelijk Museum features collections from the 20th and 21st centuries, with works from the likes of Picasso, Mondrian and Andy Warhol taking pride of place. Full to the brim of iconic art instalments, the gallery also houses sculptures and enormous pieces that inspire and engage – Stedelijk is a must-see for tourists who want to delve deeper into contemporary art and the abstract mind.
Sexmuseum Amsterdam (Venustempel)
One of the more unique cultural experiences in Amsterdam, Sexmuesum – also known as Venustempel – is the world’s oldest collection dedicated to sex and human sexuality. Amsterdam is well known for its liberal embracement of sex and sex work, so it is of little surprise to find the world’s first museum dedicated to eroticism in the heart of The Netherlands’ capital. The gallery features pieces ranging from ancient sculptures to examples of early pornographic photography, giving visitors a look at the way sex has influenced art forms throughout history. Ideal for visitors with a curious side, Sexmuseum is a trove of erotica that borderlines the bizarre, though keep in mind that there is a minimum entry age of 16.
How to Get to Amsterdam
- By Air – Not far from the city itself, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has regular trains that take roughly 20 minutes to shuttle travellers into the city.
- By Ferry – From the UK, ferries travel from Newcastle-upon-Tyne, with Amsterdam city centre easy to get to from the ferry port by bus, train or rental car.
Where to Eat in Amsterdam
- Vegan Junkfood Bar – for those who dodge meat, this burger-full vegan restaurant is brimming with junk food alternatives for a treat that is naughty and nice at the same time.
- Los Pilones – for those who love authentic Mexican food, Los Pilones has a range of dishes that bring the taste of Mexico to the heart of Amsterdam.
- Senses Restaurant – for those with a taste for fine dining, Senses Restaurant has a gourmet menu focusing on sustainable ingredients.
- Vegan Sushi Bar – for those who want a more healthy vegan option, Vegan Sushi Bar has two branches in Amsterdam that serve unbeatable plant-based sushi that tastes as good as the real thing.
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The Hague (Den Haag)
The Hague, known locally as Den Haag, is a smaller city less than an hour’s train journey from Amsterdam, however, it is equally as important as the capital city in terms of history and culture.
Famously, amongst the many impressive examples of architecture that can be found in The Hague is the International Criminal Court, where global law and diplomacy take centre stage. It is also the seat of the Dutch parliament and home of The Royal Palace, making it the setting of some of the most significant national and international decision-making.
Exploring the city was like stepping back in time, with stunning buildings dating back to The Hague’s medieval origins. We explored most of the town on foot, occasionally taking a tram to the coastal districts of Scheveningen and Kijkduin to soak in some of the seaside attractions.
The Museum Quarter in The Hague is composed of 14 key cultural sites, art galleries and major museums, making it a focal point for the creative community, lovers of art and museum fanatics. There are roughly 40 museums and art galleries in The Hague covering a wide range of topics, themes and eras, and with a lot of deliberation, we managed to get ourselves to see six of them.
Our Top Art Galleries and Museums in The Hague
Mauritshuis
The museum itself is housed within a historic 17th-century mansion, making the building itself a piece of art, dripping with the hallmarks of Dutch Classicism architecture.
The intimate setting allows visitors to see iconic works such as Girl with a Pearl Earring painted by Johannes Vermeer along with classical masterpieces by the likes of Rembrandt and Fabritius. The gallery also has three rotating exhibitions every year, so among the classics that are permanent fixtures at Mauritshuis, there is regularly something new to see. Generally considered the most popular museum in The Hague, thousands of tourists from all over the world make it a priority attraction for art fans.
Gemeentemuseum Den Haag
The exhibits at Gemeentemuseum form a well-rounded look into modern art, with iconic showpieces such as Victory Boogie Woogie by Piet Mondrian, changing photography exhibitions, large-scale installations, and a collection dedicated to world-renowned fashion designer Christian Dior including photographs, designs some of his most iconic dresses and an insight into the history of the legend himself.
The gallery also houses an array of temporary exhibitions, so there is regularly something fresh for visitors to see. There is so much to see here that it took us three hours to get around Gemeentemuseum, and even then, we only left because it was closing time, so this is a great art gallery to visit when you’ve got plenty of time to kill.
Escher in Het Paleis
One of the most iconic Dutch artists is M.C. Escher, and you will certainly recognise some of his works. The graphic artist is known for his intricate optical illusions, impossible constructions and mathematically inspired drawings.
With artworks such as Drawing Hands, Waterfall and Relativity, seeing his work in person was quite a mind-bending experience and learning about his life gave us an insight into the brain of a genius. The interactive exhibitions and the intricacy and detail in his work make it hard to move through the gallery without getting lost in each piece, solidifying the museum as a great stop for tourists wanting to see something unique.
Museum Beelden aan Zee
The only gallery in The Netherlands dedicated entirely to contemporary sculpture is located in the coastal Scheveningen district in The Hague. Sculptures by familiar names such as Man Ray and Henry Moore join a myriad of international artists with pieces that are guaranteed to capture your imagination. The gallery has sculptures both indoors and outdoors, so I’d recommend choosing a day that has decent weather! Museum Beelden aan Zee is one to add to your itinerary if you like to see art in 3-D.
Museon-Omniversum
More of a museum than an art gallery, Museon-Omniversum features over 300,000 objects and items relating to science, culture and nature. A key attraction that drew us in was the large-format film theatre that focuses on central themes of science, technology and culture.
The museum is a thought-provoking walkthrough, teaching visitors about environmental issues, world cultures, ancient civilisations and scientific discoveries. With an array of interactive exhibits and a huge collection, Museon-Omniversum is not a quick stop, so give yourself plenty of time if you want to experience everything. Since the workshops and exhibitions are engaging for all ages, there were plenty of families there, making it a clear hit for a family day out.
Galerie Pulchri Studio
Rather than a gallery focusing on a specific theme or medium, Galerie Pulchri Studio is an artist’s society with over 400 members who regularly rotate their work. With a range of installations, paintings, photography, sculpture and video art, the ever-changing collections bring visitors a variety of current contemporary work from both known and emerging artists.
The gallery organises roughly 60 exhibitions a year and is a pillar of the artist community, offering studio spaces and a network of peers for the artists in its association as a way to support the growth of the art world. Visitors can purchase artworks and support emerging artists, making Galerie Pulchri a win-win contribution to The Hague’s creative scene.
Not a gallery, but well worth the visit
Fifties Store
As you might have guessed from the name, Fifties Store is a shop dedicated to all things vintage and fifties, however, it is more like Aladdin’s Cave than a run-of-the-mill store.
The place is a full-to-the-brim treasure trove that feels almost like a gallery in itself, with retro jukeboxes, furniture that looks fresh out of a 1950s American diner and genuine article accessories to add a quirky touch of kitsch to your home (including a life-size Elvis statue!) If you’re looking for a unique gift or are a fan of all things retro, having a browse through the higgledy-piggledy chaos feels like being thrown into the props department of a 1950s movie.
How to get to The Hague
The efficient train network makes getting from Amsterdam Airport or Amsterdam City easy, taking less than an hour, depending on the route. Alternatively, it is an easy 45-minute drive between the cities for those with car rental – just remember to drive on the right side of the road!
Where to Eat in The Hague
- Patagonia Beach – for those wanting a seafront view as they dine, Patagonia Beach has a broad menu of fancy foods with plenty of vegan options.
- Little V – for those who fancy authentic Vietnamese food, Little V has branches in The Hague and Rotterdam, making it a firm popular in the area.
- Zebedeus – for those who want wine and fine dining as a fancy little treat.
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Conclusion
The Netherlands is known for being a country of culture, so our trip to Amsterdam and The Hague gave us a fortnight rich in art and exploration. From wandering through the cities to admire the exquisite architecture to visiting art galleries and museums, we left inspired. The huge range of things to see meant that we only got to dip our toe into the pool of the Dutch art scene, but what we did see was utterly captivating. So, if you’re looking to make the most of your holiday to The Netherlands and find yourself in either Amsterdam or The Hague, these are easily some of the best art galleries and museums to add to your itinerary.
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