Like in much of the world, museums across Amsterdam have had to close for the foreseeable future due to the coronavirus. With governments urging people to #StayAtHome as much as possible, many of us are looking for creative ways to avoid cabin fever.
Fortunately, Amsterdam’s top cultural and historic attractions have created online opportunities to explore them from afar. Here are 5 museums in Amsterdam that you can visit from the comfort of your sofa:
1. Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is a world class museum and historic building that houses some of the most iconic paintings of the Dutch Golden Age. Rembrandt’s The Night Watch and Vermeer’s The Milkmaid are just some of the many masterpieces in its collections.
In 2020 the Rijksmuseum launched Masterpieces Up Close, a virtual tour of its Gallery of Honour. Thanks to Google Arts and Culture you can stroll through the rest of the museum on a 360 degree tour. The Rijksmuseum also has a free app with extra insight into the different artworks and exhibitions.
2. Van Gogh Museum
Home to the largest collection of art by Dutch impressionist painter Vincent van Gogh, the Van Gogh Museum is one of the most popular museums in Amsterdam.
The Van Gogh Museum has made an exceptional effort to bring its collections to our homes, with a list of tips for visitors of all ages. The museum also launched Unravel Van Gogh, an interactive site that allows you to learn about the paintings in detail. Make sure to check out the captivating 7 part video series as well as the 360 degree tour.
3. Amsterdam Museum
Located along the Kalverstraat, the Amsterdam Museum is all about the history of the Dutch capital.
The Amsterdam Museum has digitalised and published its entire collection online. With over 30,000 images, the museum’s online database is a great way to educate yourself about Amsterdam’s past.
4. Anne Frank House
The Anne Frank House is one of Amsterdam’s most visited museums, attracting people from all over the globe.
The Anne Frank House offers an online interactive tour of the Secret Annex. The tour allows you to explore various rooms and learn about Anne’s story and diary. If you’ve got an Oculus Virtual Reality headset, make sure to try the free 25 minute virtual reality tour.
Through Google Arts and Culture, you can step into Anne’s original family home at Merwedeplein 37-2. The Anne Frank House YouTube channel is also worth a visit.
5. Royal Palace of Amsterdam
The Royal Palace of Amsterdam is a beautiful Dutch Golden Age building along Dam Square. Previously lived in by the Royal Family, it is now used for official state visits and celebrations.
Click here for a virtual tour of the palace via Google Arts and Culture.
Online tours beyond Amsterdam:
- Keukenhof: Take a video tour of the world famous Dutch tulip gardens.
- Muiderslot Castle: Experience a 360 degree tour of one of the oldest castles in The Netherlands.
- Mauritshuis: Use the Rembrandt Reality app to step into one of Rembrandt’s most famous paintings, The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp.
- Panorama Mesdag: Delve into a 19th century panoramic painting of a Scheveningen fishing village.
- Japanese Gardens: Enjoy a 360 degree tour of these beautiful historic gardens in Clingendael.
- Zuiderzee Museum: Use Google Maps to explore this open air museum and traditional fishing village along the Ijsselmeer Lake.
What are your favourite online museum tours? Let me know in the comments below!
Click here for a list of wheelchair-friendly museums in Amsterdam.
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Thank you.
By the way, did you have opportunity to the language of any of the countries you visited or lived in?
You’re welcome! Yes, I can speak basic Japanese and learned some Khmer and Thai in order to communicate with people on a daily basis while living in South East Asia.