Amsterdam's Museum Quarter Is The Best Area For Visiting Art-Lovers To Stay
Amsterdam is a truly unique, inviting, and charming city. From its walkable and bikeable streets weaving through 17th-century architecture to its culinary and cultural exploits, Amsterdam is a city that celebrates its own heritage while welcoming eclectic international influences. A pretty crystallized vision of this duality is Amsterdam's Museum Quarter, or Museumplein.
Along with the Museum Quarter's sophisticated charm and activity, the 19th-century square has three of the most notable museums in the Netherlands, per Amsterdam.info. Celebrating both Dutch masters and international artists, the Museumplein is home to the Rijksmuseum, the Stedelijk Museum, and the Van Gogh Museum.
The Stedelijk Museum features modern and contemporary exhibits from international artists, while the Rijksmuseum celebrates the rich tapestry of artwork created by Dutch masters over the centuries. Meanwhile, the Van Gogh Museum features hundreds of artworks by the eponymous artist. But along with the masterpieces the Museum Quarter holds, the area is also a hub of boutique shopping, laid-back cafés, restaurants, and gathering places. While the ideal place for art-lovers to stay, the Museum Quarter also accommodates lovers of life.
Dutch masterpieces and modern style
According to the Rijksmuseum's website, the museum is home to over 100 masterpieces created by Dutch masters. Notably, you'll be able to view the iconic works of Johannes Vermeer and Rembrandt. Masterpieces of this Dutch Golden Age include "The Night Watch" by Rembrandt and "Woman Reading a Letter" by Vermeer. However, you'll also have the chance to view "The Merry Family" by Jan Steen, as well as one of Vincent Van Gogh's famous self-portraits.
At the Van Gogh Museum, you're immersed in both the artwork and life of the iconoclastic painter. Visiting, you'll see the permanent collection of Van Gogh, which includes "Sunflowers," "The Potato Eaters," "The Bedroom," and "Wheatfield with Crows," per the museum's website. Along with the paintings, you can also view Van Gogh's letters and sketches, which showcase both his inspirations and emotions while chronicling his internal turmoil and progressive illness.
Moving through time, the Stedelijk Museum celebrates modern and contemporary art through a spectrum of mediums, as well as works from renowned artists from the 19th century to the modern day. Here, you'll have the chance to view works by Henri Matisse, Andy Warhol, and Jackson Pollock. Reflecting the artwork it showcases, the Stedelijk Museum is a dynamic venue, and exhibits change often. However, art-lovers will be familiar with the works and artists that call the museum home, even if only traveling through.
Exploring outside the museum for the art of life
After exploring the incredible collection of artwork housed in the Museum Quarter, you'll still have plenty to do. According to the Museum Quarter, you can now take a few curated walks to explore the area, including an Art Nouveau Walk, an Architecture Walk, and a Spend One Million in an Hour Walk.
Indeed, the quarter is adjacent to P.C. Hooftstraat, which is a thoroughfare of ultra-luxe shops and fashion brands. Even if you don't have a million to spend, window shopping is free, and the craftsmanship and style are something to witness.
But if you'd rather skip the opulence and bustle of P.C. Hooftstraat, then head over to the Vondelpark, Amsterdam's premier green space. If you visit in spring, then Amsterdam's famed tulip blooms give nature a turn to showcase her artwork — no museum necessary. Vondelpark is the perfect place to unwind, people watch, and really breathe in the charm of Amsterdam. Like we said before, you're invited.