Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam

The Stedelijk is Amsterdam's museum of modern and contemporary art and design. It was founded in 1874 and moved into its red-brick building on Museumplein in 1895. In 2012 a striking white extension designed by Benthem Crouwel Architects was added, with a smooth, curving façade that quickly earned it the nickname the Bathtub. The new wing now forms the main entrance facing the square.

The collection covers art and design from the late 19th century to today. Highlights include paintings by Van Gogh, Kandinsky, Matisse and Chagall, works by Kirchner, Pollock, De Kooning and Warhol, and pieces by Lucio Fontana, Gilbert & George and Marlene Dumas. The museum is particularly strong on Dutch movements such as De Stijl, with work by Mondrian and Rietveld, and CoBrA, represented by Karel Appel among others. Design is given as much space as fine art, from furniture and posters to applied art, and temporary exhibitions in the extension bring in contemporary artists from around the world.

The museum suits visitors who already know the classics on Museumplein and want something more recent, as well as design enthusiasts. It is also a good choice for students and young people, since admission is free for visitors under 19. Students and CJP holders pay a reduced rate, and Museumkaart and I amsterdam City Card holders also enter free.

The Stedelijk opens daily from 10am to 6pm, with no entry after 5.45pm, and on a few days it opens at 9am. Buying tickets online in advance is advised, and Museumkaart holders should reserve a time slot. It is usually less crowded than the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, so it works well as an afternoon visit after one of those. Allow two to three hours if you want to see both the collection and the current exhibitions. General enquiries can be sent to the museum by email.

The museum faces Museumplein, with the Van Gogh Museum immediately next door and the Concertgebouw at the southern end of the square. Trams stop on Van Baerlestraat, a minute or two away, and the shops of P.C. Hooftstraat are close by. Vondelpark is also within easy walking distance for a break outdoors.