Amsterdam’s art scene is bursting with energy, offering a mix of iconic masterpieces, contemporary experiments, and unexpected discoveries. From cutting-edge street art to rare historical works, the city’s museums are showcasing exhibitions that surprise, challenge, and inspire. This season, immerse yourself in stories told through photography, painting, and immersive installations—each offering a fresh perspective on the world around us. Here’s where to find the most exciting art exhibitions in Amsterdam right now.
7 Must-See Art Exhibitions in Amsterdam Right Now
Hidden Treasures: The Ever-Changing Print Cabinets of the Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum’s vast collection of over 500,000 prints and drawings spans centuries, from 1442 to today. Due to their fragility, the selection in the museum’s print cabinets changes every six months. They offer fresh perspectives on Amsterdam’s rich history and artistic evolution. This time, the spotlight falls on three captivating themes. The city’s 750th anniversary, Michael Snijders’ 17th-century print collages, and the intricate drawings of Gerard de Lairesse. From medieval city maps to playful assemblages and classical compositions, these rare works offer a unique glimpse into the stories, techniques, and artistic minds that have shaped Amsterdam over time.
📍 Address: Rijksmuseum Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam
📆 Dates: Until June 2, 2025
Laugh Now: Banksy’s Unfiltered World at Moco Museum
Few artists have disrupted the art world quite like Banksy. The anonymous British street artist is known for his sharp political satire, dark humor, and unmistakable stencil style. And he critiques everything from war to consumerism. Laugh Now at Moco Museum showcases an electrifying selection of his most iconic works, including Girl with Balloon, Flower Thrower, and Smiling Copper. While not authorized by Banksy himself, every piece is authenticated by Pest Control, ensuring a rare glimpse into his provocative artistry. Featuring works from private collections, this exhibition offers a deep dive into Banksy’s rebellious spirit and the powerful messages behind his spray-painted statements.
📍 Address: Moco Museum, Honthorststraat 20, 1071 DE Amsterdam
📆 Dates: Permanent Exhibition
The Power of Pigments: A Celebration of Color in 19th-Century Art
The invention of synthetic pigments in the 19th century transformed drawing into a vibrant and expressive art form. And it was embraced by realists, impressionists, and symbolists alike. Artists such as Van Gogh, Gauguin, and Redon used pastels and watercolors to blur the line between sketch and finished masterpiece, creating works that were both spontaneous and striking. The Power of Pigments at the Van Gogh Museum brings together a rare selection of these fragile yet mesmerizing pieces. Many have never been publicly displayed before, offering a fresh perspective on the colorful evolution of modern art.
📍 Address: Van Gogh Museum, Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam
📆 Dates: January 16 to May 25, 2025
American Photography: A Nation Through the Lens
From gritty street scenes to striking portraits, American Photography captures the essence of the United States through the eyes of its most influential photographers. This landmark exhibition—the first of its kind in the Netherlands—features over 200 works. They showcase how photography has shaped American identity in art, journalism, advertising, and daily life. With images from legends like Diane Arbus, Robert Frank, Nan Goldin, and Richard Avedon, alongside rare and anonymous works, this powerful collection offers an intimate and multifaceted view of America’s past and present.
📍 Address: Rijksmuseum Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam
📆 Dates: February 7 to June 9, 2025
The Illusionist: Samuel van Hoogstraten’s Masterful Trickery
Step into the world of Samuel van Hoogstraten, the 17th-century artist who mastered the art of illusion. A student of Rembrandt, van Hoogstraten became a pioneer of trompe l’oeil—bringing his paintings to life with optical tricks that blurred the line between reality and art. The Illusionist exhibition at the Rembrandt House reveals his groundbreaking works. It includes his famous Old Man in a Window, and invites you to explore the magic behind his visual deceptions. This rare show celebrates van Hoogstraten’s innovative genius, showcasing pieces that have never before been seen in the Netherlands.
📍 Address: Museum Rembrandthuis, Jodenbreestraat 4, 1011 NK Amsterdam
📆 Dates: February 1 to May 4, 2025
Women of Amsterdam: Celebrating the City’s Unsung Heroines
Women of Amsterdam – An Ode shines a light on the powerful women who have shaped the city throughout history, yet whose stories have often been overlooked. With over 100 women featured through personal objects and contemporary works, the exhibition honors a diverse array of artists, activists, entrepreneurs, and everyday heroes. Commissioned pieces from ten contemporary artists further explore the legacies of these women. It definitely challenges the male-dominated narrative of history and pays tribute to their vital contributions to the city’s evolution.
📍 Address: Amsterdam Museum, Amstel 51, 1018 EJ Amsterdam
📆 Dates: December 14 2024 to June 1, 2025
Animal Therapy: The Healing Power of Animals in Art
Animal Therapy at the Museum of the Mind explores the profound bond between humans and animals, highlighting how this connection fosters well-being and inspires powerful art. Featuring works by iconic artists like Louis Wain, Marlene Dumas, and Anton Heijboer, the exhibition delves into how animals play a therapeutic role in mental health and emotional resilience. Through a collection of artworks from both renowned and outsider artists, Animal Therapy celebrates the healing power of animals and the comfort they bring to our lives.
📍 Address: Museum of The Mind, Amstel 51, 1018 EJ Amsterdam
📆 Dates: February 13 to August 31, 2025
What is your favorite of all the art exhibitions in Amsterdam this season?