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Amsterdam.

Top Amsterdam Attractions

The first time you visit Amsterdam, or any new destination, the question asked isn’t usually what attractions should be scene but what attraction to see first, what to expect, how to get there, and how much time is needed. We’ve provided tips, advice, and other information about the top tourist attractions in Amsterdam to help with your itinerary planning.

Van Gogh Museum Van Gogh Museum
Anne Frank House Anne Frank House
Rembrandt Museum Rembrandt Museum

Van Gogh Museum

 Address Paulus Potterstraat 7
 Admissions € 4
 Phone +31 (0)20 570 52 00
 Website www.vangoghmuseum.nl

The Van Gogh Museum is a spectacular experience for any art lover. You can check your bag(s) and coat at the front desk and enjoy the afternoon admiring more then 200 Van Gogh paintings. A cafeteria is also on the premises so you can take a break from your day of art surveying and grab a bite to eat. Of course, there is a gift shop too.

Van Gogh’s works are organized chronologically taking you through Van Gogh’s Dutch and French periods. You’ll see Van Gogh’s early gloomy style gradually change to the vibrant colors and bold brush strokes he is most known for. You’ll gain an understanding of Van Gogh’s life struggles from letters sent to his brother, Theo, which are also on display. The Van Gogh Museum provides a portal to enter into Van Gogh’s mental state and helps you to better understand his works. Ultimately, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for Van Gogh’s extraordinary talent.

The museum houses more then half of Van Gogh’s total paintings. Some of the more recognizable paintings include Self Portrait with Pipe and Straw Hat, Still Life with Fourteen Sunflowers, and The Yellow House. In additional, there is a library of publications about Van Gogh provided for your enjoyment. The ground floor often contains exhibits from other notable artists. Take the full day and be inspired by arguably the greatest artist of all time.

 

Anne Frank Museum

 Address Prinsengracht 267
 Admissions 7,50 €
 Phone +31-20-5567105
 Website www.annefrank.nl

The Anne Frank Museum (Anne Frankhuis) is a must experience and offers a deeper understanding of the adolescent girl’s tragic life. In 1957, the house was donated to the Anne Frank Foundation. Later a museum was built onto the premise focusing on remembering the persecution of Jews during WW II and erasing current day racism.

Otto Frank, Anne’s father, relocated his family from Germany and purchased the building that houses the museum. Otto setup shop and initially used the canal house as an office and warehouse. Anne had aspirations of becoming a famous writer and received her diary as a gift on her 13th birthday.

Germany eventually invaded Amsterdam. Fearing for his family’s safety, Otto moved his family and friends to a hiding spot in the attic of the building. It was there that 8 Jews hid in near silence, from the Nazi terror that was going on around them, for more then 2 years, remaining safe until tragically close to the end of the war. Here Anne wrote diligently in her diary about the horror that was going on in the street below, the fear she felt, and the changes she was experiencing as an adolescent.

Ultimately, the Nazis raided the house and extradited the 8 people to concentration camps. Anne died in a concentration camp in March of 1945. Otto was the only survivor. After his return to the canal house, he published “The Diary of Anne Frank” as a tribute to his loved daughter. The house remains much as it was and you can tour the attic where Anne wrote her famous diary.

The Ann Frankhuis may be the most popular tourist attraction in Amsterdam. Expect at least an hour wait at the door.

 

Rembrandt Museum

 Address Jodenbreestraat 4
 Admissions Adults 7,50 €, Children Free
 Phone +31 (0)20 5200 400
 Website www.rembrandthuis.nl

The Rembrandt Museum is amongst Amsterdam’s top museums. The museum contains nearly a complete set of Rembrandt’s original prints. Rembrandt’s printing press is also on exhibit. The museum itself is located within a charming three-story building that consequently was Rembrandt van Rijn’s former residence. When Rembrandt moved into the house he was a successful artist. Ironically, the house that now shows many of Rembrandt’s works eventually led to the artist’s financial downfall. The three-story house proved to be a bad investment for the artist. As a result, Rembrandt was forced to sell off many of his personal belongings, including his paintings, to pay off his debt.

The museum showcases Rembrandt’s detail and unique use of light and shadow. The Rembrandt museum is a masterpiece within itself.

 


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