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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.
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Van Gogh Museum
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.
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Anne Frank Museum
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Address |
Prinsengracht 267 |
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Admissions |
7,50 € |
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Phone |
+31-20-5567105 |
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Website |
www.annefrank.nl |
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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.
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Rembrandt Museum
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Address |
Jodenbreestraat 4 |
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Admissions |
Adults 7,50 €, Children Free |
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Phone |
+31 (0)20 5200 400 |
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Website |
www.rembrandthuis.nl |
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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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Amsterdam Travel Guides
Frommer's Amsterdam
Lonely Planet Amsterdam
Let's Go Amsterdam
Fodors Amsterdam
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