Museumplein is Amsterdam’s cultural jackpot.
Within just a few steps, you can be wowed by Dutch Golden Age masterpieces, cutting-edge contemporary installations, Van Gogh self-portraits, or bold pop art.
With four major museums—the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum, and Moco—this square offers something for every kind of art lover.
But they’re wildly different experiences:
- Rijksmuseum: Rembrandt, Vermeer, and centuries of Dutch art.
- Van Gogh Museum: An emotional deep dive into the life and work of history’s most beloved Post-Impressionist artists.
- Stedelijk: Modern and contemporary art. Think Mondrian, Newman, Kusama, and bold installations.
- Moco Museum: Edgy and pop culture savvy, with names like Banksy, Haring, Hirst, and digital art exhibits.
I spent three days exploring Museumplein. Four museums, four very different vibes. And somehow, I liked them all.
If you’re planning to visit Museumplein but aren’t sure where to start, this guide breaks it down. What’s inside, how they compare, and which museum might be the best fit for your trip.
Guide To Amsterdam’s Museum Square
Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is the crown jewel of Amsterdam’s Museumplein. Housed in a grand Neo-Gothic building designed by Pierre Cuypers, it boasts an extensive collection of Dutch Golden Age masterpieces.
Upon entering, you’re greeted by a luminous atrium. It’s the result of a decade long renovation that blends historic architecture with modern design.
The Rijksmuseum is organized by time period. The ground floor has medieval art and the Asian Pavilion.
The first floor is the star, with Dutch Golden Age masterpieces. The second floor features 18th and 19th century works, including a few Van Goghs. The top floor is for 20th century art and rotating exhibitions.
The Gallery of Honor on the first floor is the highlight.
Here, you’ll find Rembrandt’s monumental The Night Watch and touching Jewish Bride, Vermeer’s serene The Milkmaid, and Frans Hals’ lively The Merry Family.
The hall itself, with its vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows, adds to the reverent atmosphere.
Beyond the famous paintings, the museum houses unique pieces like the intricate 17th century dollhouses, Delft china, and the ornate Cuypers Library.
And you can’t miss the evocative The Threatened Swan by Jan Asselijn. Each piece offers a glimpse into different facets of Dutch culture and history.
To make the most of your visit, plan ahead. You’ll need to pre-book timed-entry tickets in advance, arrive early to avoid crowds, and prioritize the sections you’re most interested in.
Consider using the museum’s audio guide or app for deeper insights. And don’t forget to check out the museum gardens. They’re the perfect spot to relax and reflect after your visit.
You absolutely must pre-book a timed entry ticket to visit. You may also want to book a guided tour to see all the masterpieces. I did this and then explored the rest of the museum solo.
Van Gogh Museum
No surprise here, the Van Gogh Museum is one of Amsterdam’s biggest draws. It holds the largest collection of Van Gogh’s work in the world, including over 200 paintings and hundreds of sketches and letters.
You’ll see everything from his dark early canvases to the bold, color-saturated works of his final years.
The museum is laid out chronologically and thematically, with each floor tracing a chapter of Van Gogh’s life.
You’ll start with his many self-portraits and early pieces like The Potato Eaters. Then, you move through his time in Paris, Arles, and Saint-Rémy. Highlights include Sunflowers, The Bedroom, Wheatfield with Crows, and Almond Blossoms.
What sets this museum apart is how well it balances biography and art. You get a real sense of Van Gogh’s personality, his struggles, and his evolving style.
There’s also context about his friendships with artists like Gauguin and Pissarro. Plus a look at how he was influenced by and later influenced others.
The museum also has temporary exhibitions in a modern wing connected by an underground tunnel. When I visited, there was an excellent exhibit on Anselm Kiefer with works showing Van Gogh’s influence on him.
I can’t emphasize enough that you should plan ahead! Tickets must be booked in advance and time slots do sell out quickly. You won’t be able to visit on the fly.
The museum is busiest late morning through mid-afternoon. Most people spend around two hours. Bags need to be stored in lockers, so consider traveling light.
One last note: the museum exists thanks to Van Gogh’s sister-in-law, Johanna van Gogh-Bonger.
After Vincent and his brother Theo died, she worked tirelessly to publish his letters and get his art seen. Without her, the museum, and Van Gogh’s legacy, might never have existed.
>>> Click here to pre-book a timed entry Van Gogh ticket
Stedelijk Museum
The Stedelijk Museum is Amsterdam’s hub for modern and contemporary art. It houses an impressive collection featuring works by artists like Mondrian, Malevich, Warhol, Newman, and Kusama.
Unlike the super crowded Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum, the Stedelijk offers a more relaxed viewing experience.
The museum’s architecture is a blend of old and new. The original 19th century red brick building contrasts sharply with the modern white extension, nicknamed “the bathtub.”
Opinions on the design vary, as you may guess. But the extension provides ample space for exhibitions and visitor amenities.
Inside, the collection is organized chronologically. The ground floor showcases works up to 1950. The upper floors feature art from the mid-20th century to the present.
The museum is exceptionally strong in Minimalism, de Stijl, Color Field painting, and Pop Art. And it’s considered one of the top European collections of postwar American art movements.
Don’t miss Mondrian’s iconic geometric abstractions. Yayoi Kusama’s early installation One Thousand Boats Show is a powerful room-filling work of repetition and reflection.
Barnett Newman’s vast, contemplative Cathedra is a standout of Color Field painting. And there are quite a few Malevich works, the biggest collection outside Russia.
>>> Click here to pre-book a Stedelijk ticket
Moco
The Moco Museum is the rebel of Museumplein. It’s housed in a 1904 townhouse that feels more intimate than the big institutions next door.
Inside, the focus is on modern, contemporary, and street art. With a sharp eye for what grabs attention.
Moco’s biggest draw is probably Banksy. In two rooms, you’ll find a solid lineup of his politically charged works, like Girl with Balloon, Flower Thrower, and Forgive Us Our Trespassing.
Some are originals. Some are prints. Either way, it’s the best chance to see a large group of his work in one place.
There’s also artworks by Warhol, Basquiat, Kusama, Keith Haring, and Jeff Koons. And while it might feel a little pop culture heavy at times, that’s part of the appeal.
The museum isn’t trying to be subtle. It’s loud, colorful, and designed to make an impact.
Downstairs, you’ll find digital and immersive rooms from Studio Irma. It’s all mirrors, lights, color, and optical play. Instagram-friendly, yes. But also just genuinely fun.
You won’t need more than 60–90 minutes here. Book a timed ticket to skip the line, especially in high season.
MOCO isn’t for everyone. But if you’re into edgy visuals or short attention spans, it hits the mark.
>>> Click here to pre-book a Moco ticket
I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to the amazing museums in Amsterdam’s Museum Square. You may find these other Netherlands guides useful:
- Tips for visiting the Netherlands
- Guide to the Anne Frank House
- Guide to the Rijksmuseum
- Guide to MOCO Amsterdam
- Guide to the Stedelijk Museum
- Guide to Rembrandt House
- Guide to the Van Gogh Museum
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