Going Dutch: An Art Lover’s Guide to Amsterdam

For those who seek a culturally authentic experience, luxury boutique hotel Pulitzer Amsterdam hits the sweet spot between privacy and excitement. Its treasure-filled, labyrinthine layout makes it the perfect place to experience a nostalgic rendering of the city’s heritage that dates back to the Dutch Golden Age. Built within 25 restored 17th- and 18th-century canal houses, the entire property is decorated with impressive collections of art, antiques, books, and music. Conveniently located by the Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht canals, its enviable location is within walking distance of the greatest attractions like Dam Square, The Nine Streets, the Anne Frank House, and Museum Square.

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As one of the 25 most-visited art museums in the world, the Van Gogh Museum’s aim is to inspire a diverse audience with the tumultuous life and groundbreaking art of Vincent van Gogh. It houses the biggest collection of the artist’s works: more than 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and almost all of his letters. Some of the pieces on display include world-famous Sunflowers, Irises, Bedroom in Arles, as well as endless rows of self-portraits.

From Golden Age treasures and Dutch Empire artifacts to famous masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer (and everything in-between), the Rijksmuseum is more than a tourist attraction. It is an incredible resource of the Netherland’s rich history and its contributions to the world. With a staggering collection of over one million objects — displaying more than 8,000 pieces at one time — its crown jewel is undoubtedly De Nachtwacht by Rembrandt. With its masterful use of chiaroscuro (light and shadow) and its massive scale of over four meters, its grandiosity and importance cannot be overstated.

Also located within the Museumplein is the recently expanded Stedelijk Museum, which is the place for contemporary art and design. The exhibitions begin from the late 19th-century post-impressionists and progress to 20th-century movements like De Stijl, Bauhaus, CoBrA, Pop Art, and beyond. The museum also hosts short-term exhibitions for emerging artists, while maintaining a permanent collection of masterpieces from Jackson Pollock, Piet Mondriaan, Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Wassily Kandinsky, Marc Chagall, and Yayoi Kusama.

Right around the corner from Van Gogh Museum is Modern Contemporary Museum Amsterdam, or Moco Museum. Built within the beautiful Villa Alsberg, this independent museum showcases innovative and immersive works by Banksy, Jean-Michel Basquiat, JR, KAWS, Keith Haring, Jeff Koons, Damien Hirst, Yayoi Kusama, Andy Warhol, and so many more.

Presently, Moco is hosting ‘New FuTure’, a unique digital art exhibition of NFTs from the world’s most pioneering digital artists, such as Beeple, Andrés Reisinger, WhIsBe, Mad Dog Jones, and Pak.

Located on the northern bank of the River IJ, bisecting the horizon like a giant robot shark, Eye Filmmuseum is both an architectural landmark and a modern icon. A visit to this museum is fun for all ages, whether you’re a cinema expert or not. Its permanent exhibition begins with vintage filmmaking devices, including the Mitchell, a 35mm camera with which many major Hollywood films have been recorded. In the same space, there are several pods that you can sink into and enjoy famous film classics. Meanwhile, you can also view nearly 100 film clips from its collection and participate in interactive installations such as Flipbook and Green Screen.

Going to a Michelin-starred restaurant is truly a treat, and a visit to The Duchess will certainly make you feel like royalty. Inspired by the elegant Belle Époque era, the dishes here are equally full of character and finesse. Standout items include the beef entrecôte with chanterelle sauce, spaghetti with beluga caviar, and highly addictive baked clams in garlic butter. Linger around for dessert. The ‘Chocolate Explosion’ is as delicious and as theatrical as it sounds.

The effortlessly chic vibe at Jansz makes it a perfect choice for those with refined tastes and a keen eye for details. From fresh salads to steaks and seafood, each dish is cooked to perfection – succulent and crispy where required – and bursting with delicate flavors. Jansz also offers al fresco dining within its sheltered courtyard garden and its canal-side terrace.

Home of three institutions: The Dutch National Opera, The Dutch National Ballet, and the Ballet Orchestra, the National Opera & Ballet is easily the most important theater venue in the country. With a solid repertoire of renowned operas and ballet such as Turandot, Carmen, Swan Lake, and many others, the viewing experience here is guaranteed to be, in a word, extraordinary.

The trendy neighborhood of Jordaan within the Canal Belt mixes fine dining with street food, fine arts with colorful graffiti, and it is home to some of the world’s finest independent boutiques and galleries. Big and small canals interweave with the charming cobblestone streets, painting a pretty picture. It’s the perfect place to people-watch, grab some non-kitschy souvenirs, and enjoy a slice of Dutch apple pie.

As the oldest building in the entire capital, Oude Kerk (meaning Old Church) sits on the ancient cobbled Oudekerksplein, right at the heart of the Red Light District. This Gothic building, formerly a Roman Catholic church turned Reformed Protestant church, is now a contemporary art space located in the seediest part of the city. It’s a bizarre juxtaposition, but you can’t get any more “Amsterdam” than that.