Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam - A penny for your thoughts.
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Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam

4.4
·15k reviews·Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam's premier museum for modern & contemporary art and design, housed in an iconic 'bathtub' building.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more art focus

CrowdLow
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Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam - A penny for your thoughts.

Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more art focus

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Amsterdam's premier museum for modern & contemporary art and design, housed in an iconic 'bathtub' building.

4.4
(15k reviews)

"A must-visit for contemporary art enthusiasts, with striking architecture and a diverse collection."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Capture the 'Bathtub'

Don't miss a photo with the museum's iconic white exterior, resembling a giant bathtub!

🚇 Ride the Yellow Tube

Enjoy the unique experience of the bright yellow escalator tube inside the museum.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic 'Bathtub'

The Iconic 'Bathtub'

Exterior

The museum's striking white exterior, often likened to a giant bathtub, is an architectural marvel and a popular photo spot.

Modern & Contemporary Masterpieces

Modern & Contemporary Masterpieces

Permanent Collection Galleries

Explore a vast collection spanning early 20th-century art to cutting-edge contemporary works and design.

Temporary Exhibitions

Temporary Exhibitions

Special Exhibition Halls

Discover rotating exhibitions featuring renowned international and Dutch artists, offering fresh perspectives.

The Yellow Tube Escalator

The Yellow Tube Escalator

Interior

Experience the unique architectural feature of the bright yellow tube leading to the escalator, a memorable journey.

Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds for Modern Art

The Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam is a hub for modern and contemporary art. To truly immerse yourself, aim for weekdays outside of peak tourist hours. Consider visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the largest crowds and enjoy a more contemplative experience with the extensive collections. Reddit

Book Tickets in Advance

While not always mandatory, booking your Stedelijk Museum tickets online in advance is highly recommended, especially during popular seasons or for special exhibitions. This saves you time queuing and guarantees entry, ensuring a smoother visit to this premier modern art museum in Amsterdam. TikTok

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more art focus
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Tour groups thin out
Crowd
Medium
When
During special exhibitions
Why
See unique, limited-time art
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This is a MUST do in Amsterdam which is also budget friendly ✨ 📍 Eye Film Museum One of the most unique experiences in the city! You can make your very own flip book and it only costs €2 #amsterdam #...
@the.lady.travels
112K likes • 1.7M views

📸 Capture the 'Bathtub'

Don't miss a photo with the museum's iconic white exterior, resembling a giant bathtub! Instagram

🚇 Ride the Yellow Tube

Enjoy the unique experience of the bright yellow escalator tube inside the museum. Reddit

Walk through immersive art @Moco Museum (Banksy Museum). Book your tickets through the 🔗 on our profile. A must-do activity in Amsterdam 🎨. They showcase Modern, contemporary & really cool street art ...
@welikeamsterdam
96.2K likes • 1.2M views
⏳ Closing Soon: ‘Anselm Kiefer: Sag mir wo die Blumen sind’ at the Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum The exhibition presents previously unseen paintings by Anselm Kiefer alongside a selection of s...
whitecube
1.6K likes • 33.4K views

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Save time and guarantee entry by purchasing your tickets in advance. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Explore Beyond Art

The museum also showcases significant design collections, offering a broader artistic perspective. Instagram

LAST CHANCE! Admire El Anatsui at the Stedelijk while you still can! It’s leaving the collection display after March 17. By reusing everyday products, El Anatsui establishes a connection with the peo...
stedelijkmuseum
13.3K likes • 233.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture the 'Bathtub'

Don't miss a photo with the museum's iconic white exterior, resembling a giant bathtub! Instagram

🚇 Ride the Yellow Tube

Enjoy the unique experience of the bright yellow escalator tube inside the museum. Reddit

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Save time and guarantee entry by purchasing your tickets in advance. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Explore Beyond Art

The museum also showcases significant design collections, offering a broader artistic perspective. Instagram

☕ Coffee Break Views

Enjoy a coffee with a view of the Museumplein from the museum's cafe. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(15k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Stedelijk Museum for its significant collection of modern and contemporary art and design, as well as its striking architecture. The unique 'bathtub' exterior and the yellow escalator tube are frequently highlighted as memorable features. Some visitors find the modern art challenging, but most appreciate the museum's role in showcasing cutting-edge artistic expression.

"This is a must-visit stop. It is very well organized, and you can download an app to learn more about some of the pieces. You will probably need half a day or more to visit this museum.

One staff member asked me to hang up my phone call while waiting in line before getting into the museum. No sign prohibited cell phone use, and I was not even talking.
Training for staff and/or signs about policies can improve the experience."

SM

"The Stedelijk was exactly the kind of break I needed from Amsterdam’s more traditional art museums. Highlights for me included Mondrian’s crisp Composition No. IV, a bold Picasso reclining nude, and Lichtenstein’s explosive pop art triptych. Skin Pool (Shine), with its surreal mirrored pink liquid room, was mesmerizing. I also loved the unexpected mix of modern furniture, sculptural fashion, and conceptual design throughout. It’s a smart, provocative space that rewards curiosity, and one I genuinely enjoyed exploring."

E Scott Parks

"I really liked this museum. It contains a variety of modern art with a free audio guide.

The exhibits are collected in a way to help visitors to make sense of the development of various styles.

It is much less busy than the other museums in the area."

Dan Woodruff

What People Like

Impressive modern art collection
Iconic 'bathtub' architecture
Unique yellow escalator tube

What People Dislike

Modern art can be challenging

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Stedelijk Museum is conveniently located on Museumplein. You can easily reach it by tram (lines 2, 5, 12, 24) or bus (lines 170, 172, 174, 272) to the Museumplein stop. It's also a pleasant walk from the city center or a short bike ride. Instagram

Yes, the Stedelijk Museum is very well-served by public transport. Trams and buses stop directly at Museumplein, making it easily accessible for all visitors. Instagram

Absolutely! Cycling is a popular way to get around Amsterdam. There are plenty of bike racks available near the museum for secure parking. Instagram

While driving is not recommended in central Amsterdam, there is paid underground parking available at Museumplein. However, public transport or cycling is generally more convenient. Reddit

From Amsterdam Centraal Station, you can take tram lines 2 or 12 directly to the Museumplein stop, which is a short walk from the museum. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices can vary depending on current exhibitions. It's best to check the official Stedelijk Museum website for the most up-to-date pricing and to book your tickets in advance to avoid queues. TikTok

While walk-in tickets may be available, booking your tickets online in advance is highly recommended, especially for popular exhibitions, to guarantee entry and save time. TikTok

The Stedelijk Museum is typically open daily, but hours can vary. Always check the official website for the most current opening hours before your visit. Instagram

Yes, the I Amsterdam Card often includes free entry to the Stedelijk Museum, along with access to many other attractions and public transport. Check the card's current benefits for details. Reddit

Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and children. Check the museum's ticketing page for specific eligibility and pricing. Reddit

🎫 🖼️ Onsite Experience

The Stedelijk Museum focuses on modern and contemporary art and design, with a collection spanning from the early 20th century to the present day. You'll find works by renowned international and Dutch artists. Instagram+1

Absolutely! The Stedelijk is considered one of the premier institutions for contemporary art and design in the Netherlands, showcasing a diverse and thought-provoking collection. Instagram+1

The 'bathtub' refers to the distinctive, modern white extension of the museum building, which has become an iconic architectural feature and a popular photo opportunity. Instagram

Yes, the museum often offers guided tours that provide deeper insights into the collection and current exhibitions. Check their website for schedules and booking information. Reddit

Photography for personal use is generally allowed in the permanent collection galleries, but flash photography and tripods are usually prohibited. Special exhibitions may have different restrictions, so always check signage. Instagram

🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining

Yes, the Stedelijk Museum has a cafe located on the ground floor, offering a pleasant spot to relax with coffee, tea, or light snacks while enjoying views of Museumplein. Reddit

The cafe typically serves coffee, tea, pastries, sandwiches, and other light refreshments. It's a convenient place to refuel during your visit. Reddit

Museumplein and the surrounding areas offer a variety of cafes and restaurants, from casual eateries to more upscale dining, providing plenty of options for lunch or dinner. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The most iconic photo spot is the exterior of the museum, particularly the white 'bathtub' extension. Inside, the bright yellow escalator tube is also a popular and visually striking location. Instagram

Yes, you can generally use your phone camera for personal photos inside the Stedelijk Museum, but always be mindful of other visitors and any posted restrictions. Instagram

Tripods are typically not allowed inside the Stedelijk Museum to ensure smooth visitor flow and prevent damage to artworks. Instagram

For exterior shots, morning light can be beautiful. Inside, the lighting is generally good, but visiting during less crowded times will allow for more unobstructed photos. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the Stedelijk Museum is primarily focused on modern and contemporary art, it can still be an engaging experience for families. The striking architecture, especially the 'bathtub' exterior and the yellow tube escalator, can capture children's imaginations. InstagramReddit Look for any family-specific programs or workshops the museum might offer, as these can make the art more accessible and fun for younger visitors. Consider focusing on visually striking pieces or design elements that might appeal to a broader age range. Instagram

🎨 Art Enthusiasts & Design Buffs

For those passionate about modern and contemporary art and design, the Stedelijk Museum is an absolute must-visit. Its extensive collection features seminal works from the early 20th century to the present day, including significant pieces from movements like De Stijl and Abstract Expressionism. Instagram+1 Keep an eye on their schedule for temporary exhibitions, which often showcase cutting-edge artists and thought-provoking themes, providing fresh perspectives on the art world. Instagram

📸 Photography Lovers

The Stedelijk Museum offers fantastic opportunities for photographers, both inside and out. The iconic white 'bathtub' exterior is a prime subject, especially during the golden hours. Instagram Inside, the vibrant yellow tube escalator provides a unique and colorful architectural shot. Reddit Visiting during off-peak hours will allow for more unobstructed photos of both the building and the artworks. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Stedelijk's Collection

The Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam boasts an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art and design, making it a cornerstone for art enthusiasts visiting the city. Its holdings span from the early 20th century, encompassing movements like De Stijl and Abstract Expressionism, right up to the most current artistic expressions. Visitors can expect to see works by Dutch masters such as Mondrian and Rietveld, alongside international icons like Picasso and Warhol. Instagram+1

The museum's commitment to contemporary art means its exhibitions are always evolving, offering a dynamic and relevant experience. Beyond painting and sculpture, the Stedelijk also has a significant focus on design, including graphic design, product design, and fashion, providing a holistic view of creative output. This broad scope ensures there's something to captivate every visitor, from seasoned art historians to those new to the world of modern art. Instagram

Recent exhibitions have highlighted artists like El Anatsui and Karel Martens, showcasing the museum's dedication to diverse artistic voices and mediums. The 'Tomorrow is a Different Day' exhibition, for instance, featured posters as part of its collection, demonstrating an appreciation for various forms of visual communication. Reddit This continuous rotation of displays keeps the Stedelijk fresh and encourages repeat visits to discover new artistic dialogues. Instagram

Architectural Marvels: Inside and Out

The Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam is as much an architectural statement as it is a repository of art. Its most recognizable feature is the striking white, modern extension, affectionately nicknamed the 'bathtub' by locals and visitors alike. This bold addition, designed by Mels Crouwel, dramatically contrasts with the historic 19th-century building it adjoins, creating a visually dynamic ensemble on Museumplein. Instagram

Internally, the museum offers a unique visitor journey, most notably through its iconic yellow tube escalator. This vibrant, almost surreal passageway guides visitors between levels, offering a playful and memorable transition. The interior design prioritizes clean lines and ample space, ensuring that the artworks themselves remain the focal point while providing an engaging environment for exploration. Reddit

The museum's design philosophy extends to its integration with the surrounding Museumplein, a large public park. This placement allows the Stedelijk to be a part of the broader cultural landscape of Amsterdam, inviting visitors to enjoy both the art within and the urban space without. The architectural elements themselves often become subjects of photography, adding another layer to the visitor experience. Instagram

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