NeighbourhoodPlantage / Amstel
International Art Collaborations
H’ART Museum Amsterdam
Housed in a monumental 17th-century building, H’ART Museum connects Amsterdam to the world through prestigious international art partnerships and rotating global exhibitions.
Best forInternational art and history
Plan for1.5 to 2 hours
Worth knowingLocated in the historic Amstelhof building
A Cultural Oasis
World-Class Art in a Historic Setting
H’ART Museum serves as a vibrant cultural hub in Amsterdam, uniquely positioned as a collaborative venue that brings masterpieces from around the globe to the Netherlands. Rather than maintaining a permanent collection, the museum works with prestigious partners such as the British Museum, Centre Pompidou, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum to curate high-profile temporary exhibitions.
The museum is situated within the Amstelhof, a sprawling 17th-century building that originally served as a nursing home for over 300 years. Today, the space has been transformed into a modern gallery environment that retains its classical grandeur, featuring a large inner courtyard and a bustling Grand Café that offers a peaceful retreat from the city's busier tourist corridors.
From Almshouse to Art
The Legacy of the Amstelhof
The building that houses H’ART Museum, the Amstelhof, was commissioned by the Dutch Reformed Church and completed in 1683. For centuries, it functioned as a home for the elderly, standing as a testament to the social care systems of the Dutch Golden Age. Its long, symmetrical facade along the Amstel River remains one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city.
In the early 21st century, the building underwent a massive renovation to transition from a care facility into a world-class museum. It opened in 2009 as the Hermitage Amsterdam, maintaining a long-standing relationship with the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg. In 2023, the institution rebranded as H’ART Museum, pivoting toward a new era of diverse international partnerships.
What to See
Museum Highlights
Architecture
The Amstelhof Building
Admire the 17th-century Dutch Classicist architecture, characterized by its immense scale and the serene inner courtyard, which is one of the largest hidden gardens in Amsterdam.
Exhibitions
Global Partnerships
Experience rotating exhibitions featuring works from the Smithsonian, British Museum, and Centre Pompidou, ranging from American photography to European modernism.
Dining
H’ART Museum Grand Café
Visit the light-filled café for lunch or coffee. It serves as a social meeting point for both museum visitors and locals, overlooking the historic courtyard.
Visitor Experience
The Museum Flow
Morning
Quiet Exploration
Arrive at 10:00 AM to enjoy the galleries before the midday crowds. The spacious layout of the Amstelhof ensures a calm atmosphere even during popular exhibitions.
Afternoon
Courtyard & Café
After touring the exhibitions, spend time in the courtyard. It is an ideal spot for reflection or a quiet break away from the traffic of the nearby Waterlooplein.
Evening
Riverside Walk
As the museum closes at 5:00 PM, take a stroll along the Amstel River to see the building and the nearby Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge) illuminated at night.
Visual Journey
Art and Atmosphere
The museum's interior design emphasizes light and space, providing a neutral backdrop that allows the diverse styles of visiting exhibitions to shine. From the monumental staircases to the sleek, modern gallery wings, the building is a masterclass in adaptive reuse.
Visitor Info
Planning Your Visit
H’ART Museum is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00. It is highly accessible and offers a range of facilities for visitors with reduced mobility. Tickets can be purchased online, and the museum accepts the I amsterdam City Card and CJP card.
Tickets
Booking Advice
It is recommended to book tickets in advance via the official website to secure your preferred time slot, especially for high-profile international exhibitions.
Contact
Inquiries
For specific questions regarding group visits or accessibility, you can contact the museum at mail@hartmuseum.nl or call +31 (0)20 530 8755.
Bookable experiences
Experiences around H’ART Museum.
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Getting There
Directions to Amstel 51
The museum is centrally located and easily reached by public transport. Take Metro 51, 53, or 54 to the Waterlooplein stop and use the Hortusplantsoen exit. Alternatively, Tram 14 stops at Waterlooplein, just a short walk from the museum entrance.
For those arriving by bicycle, there are racks nearby. If you are arriving by car, note that parking in the immediate vicinity is limited; the museum requires specific details (date, time, license plate) for certain reservation-based parking inquiries.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the I amsterdam City Card accepted?⌄
Yes, the I amsterdam City Card is accepted at H’ART Museum.
What are the museum's opening hours?⌄
The museum is typically open every day from 10:00 to 17:00.
Does the museum have a permanent collection?⌄
H’ART Museum focuses on temporary, world-class exhibitions in collaboration with international partner museums rather than a single permanent collection.
Is there a place to eat inside the museum?⌄
Yes, the museum features a Grand Café that is open to both museum visitors and the general public.