The ultimate guide to the best art exhibitions in Amsterdam: what, where, and when?

From daring contemporary works to rare historical gems: these Amsterdam exhibitions prove that art is anything but boring.

Andrea Ferreira - Staff Writer • February 26, 2025

Amsterdam’s art scene is buzzing with energy and offers a mix of iconic masterpieces, contemporary experiments, and unexpected discoveries. From groundbreaking street art to rare historical works, the city’s museums present 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 are the most exciting art exhibitions in Amsterdam right now.

7 art exhibitions in Amsterdam you must see now

Hidden Treasures: The Ever-Changing Print Galleries of the Rijksmuseum

kunstenstentoonstellingen nu in Amsterdam — Michael Snijders, 1610–1672 © Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum’s vast collection of over 500,000 prints and drawings spans centuries, from 1442 to the present. Due to their fragility, the selection in the museum’s print rooms changes every six months. They offer a fresh perspective on Amsterdam’s rich history and artistic evolution. This time, the spotlight is on three fascinating themes: the city’s 750th anniversary, the 17th-century print collages by Michael Snijders, and the detailed drawings by 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: Through June 2, 2025

Laugh Now: Banksy’s unfiltered world at the Moco Museum

Tentoonstellingen in Amsterdam op dit moment — © Moco Museum

Few artists have shaken up the art world quite like Banksy. The anonymous British street artist is known for his sharp political satire, dark humor, and unmistakable stencil style. He critiques everything from war to consumerism. Laugh Now at the Moco Museum features an exciting selection of his most iconic works, including Girl with Balloon, Flower Thrower, and Smiling Copper. Although not authorized by Banksy himself, each piece has been authenticated by Pest Control, offering a rare glimpse into his provocative artistry. Featuring works from private collections, this exhibition provides 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. 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 enchanting pieces. Many have never been shown publicly before and offer 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 raw street scenes to striking portraits: American Photography captures the essence of the United States through the eyes of its most influential photographers. This groundbreaking 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 everyday life. Featuring images by legends such as 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 Deception

Step into the world of Samuel van Hoogstraten, the 17th-century artist who mastered the art of illusion. As a student of Rembrandt, Van Hoogstraten became a pioneer of trompe-l’oeil—he brought his paintings to life with optical tricks that blurred the line between reality and art. The exhibition The Illusionist at the Rembrandt House reveals his groundbreaking works. It includes his famous Old Man in a Window and invites you to discover the magic behind his visual deceptions. This rare exhibition celebrates Van Hoogstraten’s innovative genius with pieces never before seen in the Netherlands. 📍 Address: Rembrandt House Museum, Jodenbreestraat 4, 1011 NK Amsterdam 📆 Dates: February 1 through May 4, 2025

Women of Amsterdam: An Ode to the Unsung Heroines of the City

Vrouwen van Amsterdam — © amsterdammuseum.nl

Women of Amsterdam – An Ode sheds light on the powerful women who have shaped the city throughout history, yet whose stories have often been overlooked. Featuring more than 100 women highlighted through personal objects and contemporary works, the exhibition honors a diverse group of artists, activists, entrepreneurs, and everyday heroes. Commissioned works by ten contemporary artists further explore the legacy of these women. It challenges the male-dominated narrative of history and pays tribute to their vital contributions to the city’s development. 📍 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 deep bond between humans and animals, and shows how this connection promotes well-being and inspires powerful art. Featuring works by iconic artists such as 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 by both renowned and outsider artists, Animal Therapy celebrates the healing power of animals and the comfort they bring to our lives. 📍 Address: Museum van de Geest (in H’ART Museum), Amstel 51, 1018 EJ Amsterdam 📆 Dates: February 13 to August 31, 2025 Which is your favorite of all the art exhibitions in Amsterdam this season?