3 Top Museums to Visit in Amsterdam
While being only 84.7 square miles in size, Amsterdam is home to a surprising number of museums dedicated to art and fashion. Each museum tells its own story, and is sure to keep any art lover’s interest piqued. Here’s a list of the best museums to visit in the city.
1. The Museum of Bags and Purses, Tassenmuseum
Hendrikje Ivo collected antiques as a hobby for years before launching the Tassenmuseum in 1996 with her husband Heinz. It all started when she found a tortoiseshell bag from the 1820s, which sparked her appreciation for the craft of handbags. Today, you can see the Ivo’s extensive collection of bags ranging from the 17th century petticoat pocket to a jeweled clutch by Alexander McQueen. The museum building has a history all of its own – the canal house was originally home to 17th century mayor Cornelis de Graeff, and is now part of the UNESCO World Heritage Canal Ring Area of Amsterdam. Once you view the collection, stop for high tea overlooking the home's gardens.
Herengracht 573, 1017 CD Amsterdam, Netherlands
2. Moco Museum
The latest edition to Museumplein, the Modern Contemporary (Moco) Museum opened in 2016. Featuring a lens into the world of modern and contemporary art, the museum showcases work by Banksy, Warhol, Basquiat, and Daniel Arsham. After exploring the indoor exhibits, don’t forget to walk through the Moco Garden to see a unique collection of interactive art.
Honthorststraat 20, 1071 DR Amsterdam, Netherlands
3. Fashion For Good
Nestled along Rokin Street on one of fashion’s busiest shopping hubs in Amsterdam, you’ll find the first interactive museum for sustainable fashion. In an effort to change the way society views fashion consumption, the 3-floor museum is dedicated to teaching visitors about the cost of clothing production, the types of sustainable innovations in the works, and what consumers can do to reduce their waste. Upon entry, visitors are given a wooden bracelet. During your visit you can track what steps you plan to take along your fashion journey by tapping the bracelet next to exhibit signs, which will digitize your personal sustainability goals.
Rokin 102, 1012 KZ Amsterdam, Netherlands