When you get to the Netherlands, some of the most iconic places to visit are the museums. The museums in the country have plenty to offer, including art and culture from within and without. Although the country’s relatively small, its numerous museums also display Netherland’s history. That said, here’s a list of the 10 best museums to visit in the Netherlands.
1. Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum is an exquisite museum situated in Museumplein, Amsterdam. It is a great destination for people that adore Dutch art. The museum gets its name from the fact that it displays some of Van Gogh’s notable pieces, including 500 drawings and 200 paintings. Sometimes, the museum also displays a temporary exhibition that shows Van Gogh’s contemporary works from the 19th century.
2. Anne Frank House
If you love history, then the Anne Frank House is a must-visit. The museum serves as a reminder of World War II when the Nazis laid havoc upon the Jewish population. Particularly, the museum shows where Anne Frank, a young girl, and her family hid to escape the Nazis.
3. The Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is also an outstanding museum, situated in Museumplein, Amsterdam. The museum displays some of the most outstanding art collections globally. Notably, you’ll find impressive pieces from the Old Masters of the Dutch Golden Age. The museum is also quite huge, considering that it houses 8,000 items across its four floors, and still has space for visitors.
4. NEMO Science Museum
The NEMO Science Museum is an excellent joint for science and technology lovers in Amsterdam. The museum is suitable for both kids and adults, with five floors of exhibitions, workshops, and experiments. The museum opens from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and the admission prices vary by age.
5. Frans Hals Museum
The Frans Hals Museum is located in Haarlem, Netherlands, and it displays some of the most notable paintings by Frans Hals – specifically, those he did in the 17th century. Mainly, the museum houses paintings of people from this era, ranging from Haarlem’s wealthy individuals to less prominent ones, including laughing fishermen.
6. Netherlands Open Air Museum
If you’d love to learn more about Dutch history, you might want to visit the Netherlands Open Air Museum. The museum is located in Arnhem, and it hosts very beautiful sites. It lies on 44 acres and is home to historic buildings, including factories, houses, and mills from all areas of the country’s history.
7. Kröller-Müller Museum
The Kröller-Müller Museum is sistuated in Hoge Veluwe National Park in Netherlands. The museum is famous because it holds the 2nd largest Van Gogh collection globally. Herein, you’ll find about 180 Van Gogh drawings and 90 of his paintings. That notwithstanding, it also houses other famous pieces by several Old Masters, plus a garden with over 160 sculptures.
8. The Railway Museum in Utrecht
The Railway Museum in Utrecht serves a purpose that’s more than a museum. It was founded in 1927 and serves as Netherlands national railway museum, but since 1954, this museum is housed in ‘De Maliebaan Station, the former railway station. Intriguingly, the museum is fully restored and looks just like it did when it was in use during the 19th century.
9. Zaans Museum
The Zaans Museum is situated in the breathtaking village of Zaanse Schans. Particularly, the museum gives you a view of the culture and heritage of the Zaan region across the centuries. The museum attempts to recreate a traditional Dutch village, and they’re spread across 3 locations.
10. The National Maritime Museum
This is a historical building in Amsterdam, which was constructed in 1965 to serve as the former storehouse for the Admiralty. The building has since been reconstructed, and it hosts a collection of paintings, ship models, and maps. They help people explore Dutch maritime history. Besides, you also get to see a replica of an old ship.
