Cultural Amstedam

Description:

Experience the life of world-renowned artist Rembrandt van Rijn by visiting his home and studio. See where he lived, gathered inspiration, produced his work and taught pupils. From paintings and drawings to etchings and copper plates, the museum owns almost all of his work and rotates the displays. Demonstrations of paint preparation and etchings, as well as children's activities, are offered daily. The museum is open from 10:00 to 17:00, charging €10 for adults and €3 for children ages 6 to 17. Tours are available upon request.

- Jessica E. Lipowski, Amsterdam Local Expert

Description:

Host to the world's largest collection of Vincent Van Gogh's artwork, this in one museum you cannot miss. Year round, you can view the permanent collection of his work, plus special exhibitions on display. On Friday evenings, stop by and enjoy some art, music and drinks. The museum also offers lectures on a collection or current exhibition every Sunday, except in July and August. Admission is €14 for adults and free for ages 17 and under. The museum is open from 10:00 to 18:00 daily and on Friday until 22:00.

- Jessica E. Lipowski, Amsterdam Local Expert

Our Local Expert Says:

Quirkiest Church

Description:

During the Reformation, Catholics weren't allowed to openly practice their religion, so a hidden church in the attic of a house was established. Now known as "Our Lord in the Attic" Museum, it is the second oldest museum in Amsterdam. Guided tours are available. Every first Sunday of the month between October and April, you can join in an "attic celebration." The museum is open 10:00 to 17:00 Monday through Saturday, and 13:00 to 17:00 on Sunday and public holidays. Adults cost €8.00 and children ages 6 to 18 cost €4.00.

- Jessica E. Lipowski, Amsterdam Local Expert

Our Local Expert Says:

The most extensive collection of Dutch artists in Amsterdam.

Description:

Architect Petrus Josephus Hubertus Cuypers (1827-1921), the grandfather of modern Dutch architecture, designed the brick museum in a monumental Dutch neo-Renaissance, gabled style. Cuypers, a Catholic, slipped in more than a dab of neo-Gothic, too, causing the country's thoroughly Protestant King William III to scorn "that cathedral." The building opened in 1885 to a less-than-enthusiastic public reception. Since then, much has been added to the building and the collection.

The Rijksmuseum contains the world's largest collection of paintings by the Dutch masters, including the most famous of all, a single work that all but defines the Golden Age. The painting is Rembrandt's The Shooting Company of Captain Frans Banning Cocq and Lieutenant Willem van Ruytenburch, 1642, better known as The Night Watch . The scene it so dramatically depicts is surely alien to most of the people who flock to see it: gaily uniformed, but not exactly warrior-looking militiamen checking their weapons and accoutrements before moving out on patrol. Captain Cocq (once described as the stupidest man in the city, whose house on Singelgracht still stands), Lieutenant van Ruytenburch, the troopers, and observers (including...

Our Local Expert Says:

Best Cultural Performance Venue

Description:

The Concertgebouw, which literally translates to "concert building", is Amsterdam's official concert hall. Completed in 1888, to this day it's the home of the world-famous Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. Because of the buildings high quality acoustics, the Concertgebouw is considered one of the finest concert halls in the world.

Description:

The Carré family was a French/German dynasty of skilled riders and circus performers. In 1887 Oscar Carré opened the theatre in its current location as a permanent location in which to perform during the colder months. Over the years the theatre went through several renovations, changing to accommodate the current popular styles of entertainment. Now the theatre hosts everything from musicals to one-man-shows (primarily in Dutch). But, Carré has not forgotten its roots--the theatre can still be converted into a circus space. See the website for current shows.

Our Local Expert Says:

Most Spectacular Movie Theater

Description:

The Tuschinski Theatre, located just a few steps from Rembrandtplein, is the most lavish movie theater of the entire Pathe chain of cinemas. Showing a mixture of mainstream releases and more obscure art films, the theater is worth a visit solely for its design.

Built in 1921 by Abraham Tuschinski, a Polish Jew who made his way to Amsterdam with a vision to create a spectacular movie house. The result is an Art Deco masterpiece, with decorative elements from all over the world (including an Egyptian themed main theater and Japanese themed sitting rooms). The building is especially grand, considering it was built in a part of town that was undesirable in the 1920s.

In 2002 the Tuschinski re-opened its doors after a four year restoration project. Today the theater extends to the surrounding buildings and contains multiple modern screening rooms. If you want to see a movie in the original Egyptian screening room, make sure to purchase tickets for screenings in Hall 1 (Zaal 1).

Aside from the spectacular architecture, other novelties include VIP love-seats, and a bar at the concessions stand where you can buy alcoholic drinks and take them to your seat.
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