Amsterdam is one of the most popular cities in Europe and a hotbed for Dutch and international art and culture. In addition to being one of Europe’s greenest cities and famed for its canal networks which earn the city the nickname ‘Venice of the North’, there is an abundance of art and culture in Amsterdam. From galleries displaying world famous art, to an exciting music, film and theatre scene, the Dutch capital has a little bit of everything. Continue reading for our list below outlining eight things to see in Amsterdam that showcase the best of Dutch and international art and culture. For business travellers visiting The Netherlands and keen on exploring Amsterdam, these attractions are certainly worth visiting.
1) Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is a museum dedicated to art and history. It is one of the most visited attractions in Amsterdam. The museum is home to around one million artworks and can display around 8,000 at once. Works by Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh and other masterworks of the Dutch Golden Age are on display. The Rijksmuseum is set in a stunning building on Museum Square and has a spectacular interior design. Across 80 displays, 8,000 art works are displayed telling the 800 year old story of Dutch art and history.
2) Bloemenmarkt
Bloemenmarkt is the only floating flower market in the world, located on the Singel canal in Amsterdam. Founded in 1862, Bloemenmarkt has 15 souvenir and gift shops, with some selling fresh flowers. The beautiful colours create a fine artistic display worthy of seeing when exploring Amsterdam. Bloemenmarkt is open all year round to visitors and is the perfect place to buy world famous Dutch tulips.
3) Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum is a museum dedicated to the works of Dutch Post-Impressionist painter Vincent Van Gogh, who after his death became one of the most famous artists in Western art history. The Dutchman created around 2,100 artworks, some of which are on display at the Van Gogh Museum. Located next to the Stedelijk Museum, the Van Gogh Museum is a must when visiting Amsterdam.
4) Stedelijk Museum
Stedelijk Museum is a contemporary art gallery on Museumplein in Amsterdam showcasing modern art and design. The museum is located in close proximity to the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum and Concertgebouw. The collection at Stedelijk Museum includes work by Picasso, Monet, Matisse, Renoir and others. De Stijl, Cobra, Pop Art and Minimal Art are amongst the most famous type of works.
5) Royal Concertgebouw
The Royal Concertgebouw is globally renowned for its acoustics and grand halls which place it amongst the finest concert halls in the world, alongside the Symphony Hall in Boston and the Musikverein in Vienna. Visiting Amsterdam is a must for classical music lovers, with the Royal Concertgebouw hosting world class symphony orchestras, choral music, ensembles and of course opera. The Muziekgebouw aan’t IJ is another stunning concert hall, boasting an excellent location by the waterside.
6) Rembrandt House Museum
The Rembrandt House Museum is an art museum dedicated to the Dutch Golden Age painter, Rembrandt. The world renowned painter lived and worked in this historic house between 1639 and 1656. Having been reconstructed to its 17th century former glory by renovating the exterior and interior, the Rembrandt Museum collection contains Rembrandt’s etchings and paintings of his contemporaries. The house showcases the story behind the man, the artist and the citizen of Amsterdam.
7) Royal Palace Amsterdam
Situated on Dam Square, the Royal Palace Amsterdam is the official reception palace of King Willem-Alexander. It is one of three palaces in The Netherlands regularly frequented by the Dutch Royal Family. The Palace is one of the most prestigious buildings from the 17th century and is one of the most iconic Amsterdam sights. Visitors can explore the exhibitions and interior of 350 year old palace all year round.
8) Stadsschouwburg
As well as being a cultural hotspot for art and musicals, Amsterdam also has a thriving theatre industry. The Stadsschouwburg is one of the most iconic venues, located at the Leidseplein in Amsterdam. It is the home of Toneelgroep Amsterdam, the largest repertory organisation in The Netherlands. The exterior of the Stadsschouwburg is a classical neo-Renaissance style dating back to 1894, with the theatre showcasing productions that attract large audiences both nationally and abroad.
Having outlined eight unmissable art and cultural venues to see in Amsterdam, it is time to plan your trip to the Dutch capital. Check out our guide to the best accommodation for business travellers in Amsterdam. With the city being one of the most visited in Europe, there is so much for business travellers to experience when exploring Amsterdam. Ahead of visiting the Dutch capital, check out our guide to the best after-work hangout spots and discover these ten interesting facts about Amsterdam.
