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Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands as well as its largest city.  Since Holland was of key importance during the artistic flourishing of the Northern Renaissance, Amsterdam today is a place where tourists can visit museums celebrating some of the finest art the Dutch nation has ever produced.

The Rijksmuseum

The first place many tourists visit is the vast Rijksmuseum.  Located near ‘Museum Square’, this museum dedicates itself to preserving and displaying key elements of Dutch art history as well as interpreting that history for the benefit of visitors.  Over a million works are included in the museum’s permanent collection, including key paintings by the great masters: Rembrandt, van Ruisdael, and Vermeer.  Also on display are thousands of objects of decorative art, a category that encompasses not just textiles and statuary, but also everyday objects such as expensive antique dinnerware.  Children may be particularly interested in the large dollhouses that are included amongst the museum’s priceless treasures. 

The Van Gogh Museum

The famous post-impressionist artist Vincent Van Gogh was born in Holland.  To commemorate his life and works, the Van Gogh Museum, also located in Museum Square, displays some of his most significant paintings including the celebrated Vase with Fifteen Sunflowers, which is among the most valuable works of art in the world. 

History Museums in Amsterdam

However, there is more to Amsterdam than great art.  Tourists can also visit historical museums, several of which concentrate on events during the 20th century.  The most famous historical site in Amsterdam is the Anne Frank House, where Anne and her family hid for several years during the Nazi occupation of her country.  Another site of great interest to those familiar with World War II history is the Verzetmuseum, which tells the story of the Dutch Resistance during the war.