The best museums in the Netherlands
From classical Dutch art and cultural heritage to modern history and hands-on science, the Netherlands offers an exceptional museum scene that easily rivals much larger countries.
Despite its compact size, the Netherlands is home to hundreds of museums covering everything from Golden Age masterpieces and World War II history to contemporary design and innovation. Amsterdam alone has more than 50 museums, many of which are internationally renowned.
With such variety, there truly is something for every interest. Below is a curated selection of some of the best and most visited museums in the Netherlands—well worth adding to your itinerary.
- The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam
- Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam
- Anne Frank House, Amsterdam
- Frans Hals Museum, Haarlem
- NEMO Science Museum, Amsterdam
- Kröller-Müller Museum, Otterlo
- Zaans Museum, Zaanse Schans
- Mauritshuis, The Hague
- Royal Delft, Delft
- Groninger Museum, Groningen
Tip: If you plan to stay in the Netherlands for a longer period, consider purchasing a Museumkaart. This annual card costs €64.90 and provides free entry to over 400 museums nationwide. If you expect to visit several museums, it often works out far cheaper than buying individual tickets.
The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam
Located on Museumplein in Amsterdam, the Rijksmuseum houses one of the most important art collections in the world. It is especially known for its masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age, including Vermeer’s The Milkmaid, Rembrandt’s The Night Watch, and works by many other Old Masters.
The museum spans over 30,000 square meters and displays around 8,000 objects across four floors. These range from paintings and sculptures to Delftware, furniture, clothing, and archaeological artifacts dating back more than 800 years. A single visit only scratches the surface, making it a highlight for both first-time visitors and long-term residents.
Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam
Also situated on Museumplein, the Van Gogh Museum is dedicated to the life and work of Vincent van Gogh. It houses the largest collection of his art worldwide, including more than 200 paintings and 500 drawings.
Visitors can see iconic works such as Sunflowers, Almond Blossom, and The Potato Eaters, as well as many of his early self-portraits. The permanent collection also features works by Van Gogh’s contemporaries, including Gauguin, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Monet. Temporary exhibitions regularly explore related themes from 19th-century art and history.
Anne Frank House, Amsterdam
The story of Anne Frank is one of the most well-known personal accounts of the Holocaust. Each year, over a million people visit the Anne Frank House to see where Anne and her family hid during World War II.
Located on the Prinsengracht canal, the museum allows visitors to walk through the small secret annex concealed behind a movable bookcase. Here, Anne wrote her famous diary while living in hiding for more than two years. Personal belongings, photographs, and her original diary help bring her story to life. Visits are by timed ticket only, and advance booking is essential.
Frans Hals Museum, Haarlem
Situated in the historic city of Haarlem, the Frans Hals Museum is dedicated to the 17th-century Dutch painter Frans Hals. Renowned for his expressive portraits, Hals painted people from all walks of life, from wealthy citizens to everyday townsfolk.
The museum displays his most famous works alongside contemporary art exhibitions. Spread across two nearby locations—Hof and Hal—the museum also offers visitors a chance to explore Haarlem’s picturesque old town between visits.
NEMO Science Museum, Amsterdam
The NEMO Science Museum is the largest science center in the Netherlands and one of the country’s most popular family attractions. Housed in a striking building near Amsterdam Central Station, it offers five floors of interactive exhibitions.
Each level focuses on a different scientific theme, from genetics and chain reactions to the human brain and renewable energy. Visitors can participate in experiments, demonstrations, and workshops. The rooftop terrace and café also provide panoramic views of the city.
Kröller-Müller Museum, Otterlo
Located in Hoge Veluwe National Park, the Kröller-Müller Museum holds the second-largest Van Gogh collection in the world, with nearly 90 paintings and 180 drawings.
In addition to Van Gogh’s work, the museum features pieces by artists such as Monet and Mondriaan. Its extensive sculpture garden, set within the surrounding nature reserve, contains more than 160 sculptures and is a major draw in its own right.
Zaans Museum, Zaanse Schans
The Zaans Museum is located in Zaanse Schans, an area famous for its windmills and traditional wooden houses.
Spread across several historic buildings, the museum showcases regional heritage, crafts, and daily life. Visitors can explore working windmills, traditional homes, and artisan workshops, as well as the popular Verkade Experience, which focuses on Dutch chocolate and biscuit production.
Mauritshuis, The Hague
Located near the Binnenhof in The Hague, the Mauritshuis displays one of the finest collections of 17th-century Dutch and Flemish art.
Its masterpieces include Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring, Rembrandt’s The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp, and Potter’s The Bull. Housed in an elegant historic mansion, the museum itself is considered a cultural landmark and regularly hosts temporary exhibitions.
Royal Delft, Delft
The city of Delft is synonymous with blue-and-white Delftware, and Royal Delft is the last remaining factory still producing it by hand.
Visitors can tour the original factory, learn about the centuries-old production process, and watch artisans paint porcelain using traditional techniques. The museum also displays exclusive pieces made for the Dutch royal family and features a large shop selling both decorative and collectible items.
Groninger Museum, Groningen
The Groninger Museum is widely regarded as an artwork in itself, thanks to its bold postmodern architecture. Located in Groningen, it consists of several striking pavilions designed by internationally renowned architects.
Inside, the museum hosts collections of modern art, fashion, photography, and design, as well as a notable display of Chinese and Japanese porcelain. Its temporary exhibitions frequently explore diverse themes, from music icons to international art movements, making it the most visited museum in the region.