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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more art focus
Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more art focus

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Amsterdam's premier museum for modern & contemporary art and design, housed in an iconic 'bathtub' building.
"A must-visit for contemporary art enthusiasts, with striking architecture and a diverse collection."
📸 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Temporary Exhibitions
Special Exhibition Halls
Discover rotating exhibitions featuring renowned international and Dutch artists, offering fresh perspectives.

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
Book Tickets in Advance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 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.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and guarantee entry by purchasing your tickets in advance.
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond Art
The museum also showcases significant design collections, offering a broader artistic perspective.
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!
🚇 Ride the Yellow Tube
Enjoy the unique experience of the bright yellow escalator tube inside the museum.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and guarantee entry by purchasing your tickets in advance.
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond Art
The museum also showcases significant design collections, offering a broader artistic perspective.
☕ Coffee Break Views
Enjoy a coffee with a view of the Museumplein from the museum's cafe.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
Absolutely! Cycling is a popular way to get around Amsterdam. There are plenty of bike racks available near the museum for secure parking.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and children. Check the museum's ticketing page for specific eligibility and pricing.
🎫 🖼️ 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🍽️ ☕ 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.
The cafe typically serves coffee, tea, pastries, sandwiches, and other light refreshments. It's a convenient place to refuel during your visit.
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.
📸 📸 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.
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.
Tripods are typically not allowed inside the Stedelijk Museum to ensure smooth visitor flow and prevent damage to artworks.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🎨 Art Enthusiasts & Design Buffs
📸 Photography Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Stedelijk's Collection
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.
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. This continuous rotation of displays keeps the Stedelijk fresh and encourages repeat visits to discover new artistic dialogues.
Architectural Marvels: Inside and Out
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.
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit