Why the Stedelijk Museum Should Be on Your Amsterdam Itinerary

We love museums, especially art museums so spending a day in Amsterdam, for us, had to include a stop at the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam. Modern and contemporary art is not always easy to love—but it sure is fascinating.

If you’re looking for what to do in Amsterdam or things to do in Amsterdam, and you have an appreciation for creativity and bold artistic expression, this museum should be on your list. While some pieces left me completely enthralled, others had me scratching my head, wondering what exactly I was looking at. And yet, that’s the beauty of the Stedelijk. It’s unpredictable, bold, and unapologetically modern.

Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Get ready to explore one of the best places to go in Amsterdam for art lovers. If you’re into bold statements, avant-garde design, and thought-provoking installations, you’re in the right place.

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Basic Info

Address: Museumplein 10, 1071 DJ Amsterdam, Netherlands
Hours: Open daily from 10:00am ~ 6:00pm
Admission: €20 for adults, free for children under 18
Public Transport: Easily accessible via tram lines 2, 3, 5, and 12. The nearest stop is Museumplein.
Website: Stedelijk Museum Official Site

Located in the heart of Museumplein, the Stedelijk Museum is just a short walk from other major attractions like the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and the Concertgebouw. Whether you’re a dedicated art lover or just looking for a unique experience, this museum is an essential stop in any Amsterdam itinerary.

Wait… is that a bathtub?

You can’t miss the Stedelijk—literally. The building itself is a statement, nicknamed “The Bathtub” because of its stark white, oversized, oddly shaped extension. Designed by Benthem Crouwel Architects, this 21st-century addition has been controversial from the start.

Some people love its clean, futuristic look, while others (including The New York Times) have called it downright ridiculous. Riding along on the tram with scenery of old traditional brick buildings and then spotting this really will make your jaw drop.

Artistic Highlights

Inside, the Stedelijk is a maze of thought-provoking galleries filled with modern and contemporary works. It’s spacious, bright, and slightly overwhelming in the best way possible. If you’re the kind of person who likes traditional landscapes and portraits, prepare to be pushed out of your comfort zone. For us, this was a beautiful and fun collection that inspired.

The museum houses nearly 90,000 objects, spanning everything from early 20th-century movements like De Stijl and Bauhaus to more recent pop art, CoBrA, and conceptual installations.

If you’re looking for Amsterdam for art lovers, this is one of the best places to visit. Expect works from big names like Vincent van Gogh, Henri Matisse, Wassily Kandinsky, Jackson Pollock, and Andy Warhol, just to name a few.

Some rooms will have you standing in awe. Others might make you tilt your head and mumble, “Huh?” And that’s kind of the point. One moment you’re staring at a classic Cézanne piece, the next you’re in a dark room watching a looping experimental video that you can’t quite make sense of.

Henri Matisse – The Parakeet and the Mermaid

One of the most vibrant and eye-catching pieces in the collection is Henri Matisse’s The Parakeet and the Mermaid. This large-scale cut-out work bursts with color and energy, showing Matisse’s mastery of form and movement in his later years. It’s an absolute must-see for anyone who appreciates the sheer joy of color and composition.

Kazimir Malevich Collection

If you’re into geometric abstraction, you’re in luck. The Stedelijk has an extensive collection of works by Kazimir Malevich, one of the pioneers of abstract art. His paintings are bold, minimalist, and oddly hypnotic. Even if you’re not a fan, you’ll find it hard to ignore the influence of his work.

From Yayoi Kusama to Martial Raysse

I can never pass by a Yayoi Kusama. Stop to be bewildered by Aggregation: One Thousand Boats Show and then find the gallery of posters and pop art called Everyday, Someday and Other Stores. Collection 1950 – 1980 and continue on to find the striking Peinture a haute tension by Martial Raysse. There are some great pieces to enjoy in the collection.

The Experience with Kids

Walking through the Stedelijk is an exercise in curiosity. Some of the installations are playful and interactive, while others feel like puzzles waiting to be deciphered. Many museums in the Netherlands offer fantastic programs that create inspiration and involvement for children. If you’re visiting the Stedelijk with kids, here are some things to take advantage of:

What’s App Trail: Every Sunday from 10:30am to 12:30pm, a tour guide sends treasure hunt-like clues to your phone so that you and your kids can use your detective skills to spot artworks, the funny details within them, and more. It’s free to join, but you should register your attendance online in avance.
Family-friendly Guided Tours: Saturdays from 11:30am to 12:30pm, there are guided tours available for families with children from 5 years old and above. Make sure to register your attendance in advance.

The Gift Shop and Café

Like any good museum, the Stedelijk has a shop filled with quirky art books, posters, and design objects you suddenly can’t live without. The café is a sleek spot to sit and reflect on everything you just saw (and maybe recover from the more bizarre exhibits).

For anyone searching for things to do in Amsterdam or the best places to go in Amsterdam, this museum is a must-see.

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