NeighbourhoodMuseum Quarter
Modern Art & Design
Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam
Discover a world-class collection of modern and contemporary visual art and design housed in one of Amsterdam's most striking architectural landmarks.
Best forModern art and industrial design
Plan for2 to 3 hours
Worth knowingFree entry for those under 19
The Collection
A Century of Innovation
The Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam is dedicated to modern and contemporary art and design, offering a comprehensive look at creative movements from 1850 to the present. Situated on the Museumplein, it stands alongside the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, completing the city's premier cultural hub. The museum is renowned for its extensive collection of 20th-century masterpieces, including significant works by artists such as Piet Mondrian, Gerrit Rietveld, and Kazimir Malevich.
Beyond painting and sculpture, the Stedelijk is a global leader in design history. Its galleries showcase the evolution of furniture, ceramics, posters, and jewelry, highlighting the intersection of aesthetics and functionality. Whether you are interested in the bold primary colors of De Stijl or the provocative installations of contemporary creators, the museum provides a dynamic environment for experiencing the art of our time.
Heritage
From Neo-Renaissance to the 'Bathtub'
The museum first opened its doors in 1895 in a building designed by Adriaan Willem Weissman. This original structure, characterized by its red brick and Neo-Renaissance style, served as the museum's home for over a century. Over time, the Stedelijk evolved from a municipal museum into an international powerhouse for the avant-garde, famously led by influential directors like Willem Sandberg, who championed modernism in the post-war era.
In 2012, the museum underwent a major transformation with the addition of a bold new wing designed by Benthem Crouwel Architects. Known locally as 'The Bathtub' due to its smooth white synthetic exterior, this extension provided much-needed space for large-scale contemporary works and temporary exhibitions. This architectural dialogue between the 19th and 21st centuries mirrors the museum's mission to bridge historical movements with the art of the future.
Must-See
Iconic Works and Spaces
Art Movements
De Stijl and Bauhaus
Explore the foundations of modernism through the works of Piet Mondrian and the iconic furniture designs of Gerrit Rietveld, including the famous Red and Blue Chair.
Sculpture
Don Quixote Sculpture Hall
A dedicated space showcasing significant three-dimensional works that challenge traditional forms and utilize innovative materials.
Contemporary
The New Wing
The 'Bathtub' extension houses rotating exhibitions of cutting-edge contemporary art, often featuring immersive installations and digital media.
The Experience
Planning Your Visit
Morning
Early Inspiration
Arrive at 10 am to enjoy the permanent collection galleries while they are quietest. Start with the historical modernism sections in the Weissman building.
Midday
Design and Dining
Spend the middle of your visit exploring the design collection. Afterward, visit the on-site Fonda Café or Coffee Bar Café Restaurant Sandberg for a break.
Afternoon
Digital Discovery
Use the museum's digital resources or ARtours to gain deeper insights into the collection before browsing the extensive art bookshop.
Visuals
Artistic Atmosphere
The museum's interior is designed to let the art breathe, with wide-open galleries and minimalist white walls. The transition between the historic wing and the modern extension offers unique perspectives on the Museumplein and the city's architectural evolution.
Information
Tickets and Access
The Stedelijk Museum is open 365 days a year, ensuring visitors can access the collection regardless of holidays. Tickets can be booked online to secure a preferred entry time.
Official websiteAdmission
Pricing
Adults are €22.50, while students pay €12.50. Entry is free for those under 19, Museumkaart holders, and I amsterdam City Card users.
Hours
Daily Schedule
The museum is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. Note that the final entrance is permitted until 5:45 pm.
Bookable experiences
Experiences around Stedelijk Museum.
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Directions
Getting to Museumplein
The Stedelijk Museum is located at Museumplein 10. It is easily accessible by public transport from Amsterdam Centraal Station. Trams 2 and 12 stop at the Van Baerlestraat station, which is just a short walk from the museum entrance. Alternatively, several bus lines serve the Museumplein area, making it one of the most connected cultural sites in the city.
Questions
Common Inquiries
Is the Stedelijk Museum included in the Museumkaart?⌄
Yes, holders of the Dutch Museumkaart can enter the Stedelijk Museum for free.
Are there guided tours available?⌄
The museum offers guided tours and independent group visits, which should be booked in advance through their official website.
Is the museum accessible for visitors with disabilities?⌄
Yes, the museum is fully accessible, and companions of visitors with disabilities are granted free admission.