Do you want to know what museums in Amsterdam are for free culture? Even though most well-known museums are relatively pricey, some alternative museums, galleries, and locations in the city are free and worth seeing. Here are 9 free museums in Amsterdam to explore Dutch history and art but still save.
Gardens at Rijksmuseum: Best museums In Amsterdam for free
The Rijksmuseum Gardens are free, even though the entrance fee to the museum costs about 17 euros.
These are really well-kept, lovely gardens where you may view passing exhibits and sculptures and snap pictures of the exterior of that wonderful 19th-century structure. These English-style gardens occasionally host outdoor exhibitions, which are always open to the public and always free. The final one was a display of enormous metallic spider sculptures by Louise Bourgeois.
Busts and other sculptures created in the Renaissance style will also be on display. Additionally, if you would like, you are welcome to bring your own tea or coffee and relax there. In the midst of the hectic Museum Square, take a seat and take in the tranquil ambiance of this garden.
Nieuwe Spiegelstraat: Favourite artists street
A long-time favorite among painters is Spiegelstraat. Numerous vintage shops, vegan eateries, and art galleries can be found on this lengthy boulevard that begins directly behind the Rijksmuseum.
Modern displays featuring cutting-edge works for sale are everywhere in these art galleries. But everyone can enjoy admiring them.
For example, the Carré d’artistes Gallery features works by artists such as Gaia Roma, Jonas Lundh, Lionel Chevalier, Edith Thurnherr, Francoise Gomez, Muze, and Patoune, among others.
More substantial sculptures are included in Jaski Gallery, while Banksy, contemporary art, and graffiti are featured in Lionel Gallery, as well as paintings and bronze sculptures in Galleries Amsterdam.
Don’t miss Amsterdam Light Festival
Amsterdam Light Festival, which takes place every winter from December through the end of January, turns the city into a living fairy tale by illuminating its historic waterfronts and bridges with shimmering works of art. The city’s already breathtaking nighttime sights are elevated to a whole new level by installations by well-known international artists that adorn the canal ring, the River Amstel, and various other spots across the city.
Multatuli House Museum: One of the best choices for the free museum in Amsterdam
Free admission is available at the Multatuli House Museum in the lovely Jordaan neighborhood.
Multatuli, a well-known Dutch satirist and the author of “Max Havelaar,” lived in this museum. The museum is a modest home built in the 17th century that is a typical Dutch canal house.
The goal was to establish a space where the author could save all of his or her inspiration and memories. Since its founding in 1910, the association to memorize Multatuli has made gathering manuscripts and artifacts connected to the author’s past one of its goals.
If you enjoy history and literature and want to learn more about the Dutch colonial past and their reign as one of the world’s most powerful nations, you should definitely stop by and give this museum a try. You won’t be let down.
Read more 11 Best Day Trips From Amsterdam You Shouldn’t Miss
Schuttersgalerij: Unmissable place to explore Dutch history and art
An outstanding Civic Guards Gallery is the Schuttersgalerij. This collection of prominent and affluent Dutch people features their portraits together with historical information about the city. There is no charge for it!
This place is unquestionably a must-see if you’re into art and history. These portraits were also commissioned to honor civic guard service and charitable activity; they share the same idea as Rembrandt’s pairings, such as the Night Watch, which are depicted on these walls. Each individual citizen was required to pay a fee to appear on the canvas.
The Civic Guards’ museum of glory has various items that can be found if you are strolling down the popular Kalverstraat.
This gallery is also the public version of the Hermitage Gallery of Portraits, a show that typically costs roughly 15 euros. Visiting this free one is definitely worthwhile.
ARCAM Amsterdam Architecture Centre: Free museum in Amsterdam
The center for architecture, urban design, and landscape architecture is called the Architecture Centre Amsterdam, and admission is also free.
Even just taking a quick peek at the ARCAM building will be worthwhile for architecture enthusiasts. You can observe the curation of temporary exhibitions when you visit ARCAM. The walls and archives of this center include important historical artifacts.
In addition, and best of all, it’s free. Amsterdam is heaven for those who love architecture. Buildings in the center of the city are free to be visited from the outside, as I said in a recent piece I published about Amsterdam’s architectural style!
Amsterdam City Archives: World’s greatest collection of municipal history
The Amsterdam City Archives house the world’s greatest collection of municipal history, all of which is kept in the enormous De Bazel building. This Art Deco jewel is well worth a visit in and of itself. Visit the fascinating (and free) exhibitions downstairs in the underground vault of a former bank or have a guided tour of the historical chambers.
Museum Ons’ Lieve Heer Op Solder: Experience great space for free
The hidden Catholic church in the attic of this amazingly well-preserved canal house dates to the 1660s and tells a moving tale of Dutch religious tolerance. Additionally, the Museum Ons’ Lieve Heer Op Solder (Our Lord in the Attic) holds a mass on the first Sunday each month, allowing visitors to experience this extraordinary location gratis.
Also, Amsterdam Sculpture Biennale ARTZUID
Every two years, ARTZUID displays unexpected works of art along Amsterdam streets. Zuid’s As you travel the sculpture path through the neighborhood’s tree-lined roads, you will see striking contemporary and modern art in sharp contrast to interesting spatial installations. Don’t overlook the children’s program and guided tours.
Here are free museums in Amsterdam that are well worth visiting. So, come here immediately to begin your fantastic journey! Please share your thoughts by posting a comment below!
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