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There are tens of Museums in Amsterdam about a wide range of subjects. Some of them are world-famous like the Anne Frankhuis and The Van Goghmuseum, others relatively unknown for most visitors. Subjects range from art (from several time periods and styles), the history of the city in general or a certain period (For example a great Museum about the Second world war in The Netherlands), the history of Jews in the country, to great interiors like former mansions of prominent 17th and 18th century families and the Royal Palace. There are museums about  less serious matters like the history of beerbrewing and the Heineken company and the history of the use of Cannabis as well.

I advise you to consider visiting some of these museums, especially the ones about subjects you are particularly interested in.  I do tours in museums and it’s well possible to combine sightseeing tours with a tour of 1 or several of the museums.

For Anne Frankhuis, Van Goghmuseum and the great, large National Museum it’s neccessary (Anne Frank and Van Gogh) or just wise to reserve tickets in advance. I can help you with this. Keep in mind that reservation for Anne Frankhuis should be done at least 3 months ahead as timeslots sell out fast!

Besides Anne Frankhuis i would recommend visiting the National Museum because it gives an interesting impression about the history and the famous 17th century art of The Netherlands. It’s a museum which harbours one of the best collections of 17th century Dutch Masterpieces of paintings in the World. There are many paintings by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Jan Steen, Frans Hals, Saenredam, Willem van der Velde the elder, Gerard van Honthorst, Gerard David, Gerard Dou, Frans van Mieris. To name just a few of the many 17th century masters of painting.

There are portraits, including ones of William of Orange, his sons Maurits and Frederik Hendrik, a child portrait of William the Second with his wife Mary Stuart, and many other prominent 17th century people, still lifes which exhibit the incredible technical skills of many 17th century masters. Paintings depicting large battles at sea, but as well paintings depicting animals like an angry swan. Far-away trade posts in Asia, landscapes and tropical animals in 17th century northeastern Brasil and scenes of whalehunting around the Svalbaerd islands.

Besides this National Museum there are 4 other Museums in Amsterdam with vast collections of 17th century masterpieces! Each of them worth visiting! A couple of them are on central locations and in the former Jewish Neighborhood. Besides this 17th century art and the Van Goghmuseum there is an interesting Museum of Modern art as well.

For those interested in the history of Amsterdam and The Netherlands The National Museum and the Historic Museum are must-sees! For those interested in the history of the formerly huge Jewish Community of Amsterdam the Jewish Historical Museum, the large 17th century Sephardic Synagogue, and the Holocaust Memorial and Museum might be interesting.

Besides the widely known Anne Frankhuis visiting the Museum about The second World War is the best way to experience what life during the Occupation was like. One gets upfront here with the dilemmas of dealing with a brutal regime and less known aspects like forced labour. Other subjects are strikes against the authorities, the printing and distribution of by the occupying authorities prohibited newspapers. The organization of Resistance Groups, the Hungerwinter and of course the persecution of jews  and opponents of the regime.

I highly recommend visiting places with 17th and 18th century interiors. Those are impressive and beautifull. There are several patricians’ houses which are museums now, the Royal Palace has a very impressive 17th century central Hall and 17th century rooms in several museums like the Hidden Church and Rembrandthouse can be visited as well.

Besides all the mentioned above there are the Heinekenmuseum, the Museum of Dutch StreetOrgans (recommended!), the Museum about the history of the use of Cannabis, the Museum of Prostitution, the Erotic museum and the Sex Museum.