My First Few Days in Amsterdam: Museums, Museums, Museums

August 07, 2025

These first few days have been a whirlwind of museum-filled activities! Before continuing to other parts of the Netherlands, I spent a couple of days in Amsterdam, focusing on visiting several of its major museums. With so many world-class institutions in close proximity, it was an ideal place to explore the intersections of art, history, design, and engineering.

My first stop was the Rijksmuseum, home to a wide-ranging collection that spans centuries of Dutch art and craftsmanship. Seeing paintings by Rembrandt and Vermeer in person was a highlight, but I was also drawn to the objects beyond the canvases—ship models, historical tools, and decorative arts that spoke to the Netherlands’ long tradition of combining artistry with technical skill. The museum offered a strong sense of how cultural and scientific developments have shaped Dutch society over time.

My next stop was the Van Gogh Museum, which offered a closer look at one artist’s evolving process and vision. The layout of the museum does a good job of showing how Van Gogh’s style changed over the years, and how his personal life and environment influenced his work. Seeing his brushwork up close and following the timeline of his artistic development added depth to what I previously understood from reproductions and readings.

I also spent time at the Stedelijk Museum, known for its collection of modern and contemporary art and design. The contrast with the more traditional collections at the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum was striking. Many of the works here focused on material, concept, and process rather than representation. From early 20th-century movements to more recent installations and digital works, the museum provided a broad perspective on how visual language continues to evolve.

Finally, I visited the NEMO Science Museum, which stands out with its green, ship-like architecture along the waterfront. Designed primarily for younger audiences, the museum is filled with interactive exhibits on physics, engineering, energy, and more. It was interesting to see how the exhibits translated scientific principles into hands-on learning experiences. The space encouraged experimentation and play, serving as a reminder that curiosity and creativity are at the heart of both science and art.

Each museum offered something unique. Taken together, they gave a broader view of how people across time have approached creativity, whether through paint, invention, or design. It was a meaningful start to my travels, and though I’m looking forward to exploring other parts of the Netherlands, I'm also excited to spend a few more days in Amsterdam to further explore this amazing city!