Description: AMSTELVEEN. Housed in a contemporary, geometric structure, this modern art museum elucidates the creative movement of a mid-century coterie of artists, who derived their collective name (CoBrA) from the cities where they practiced (Copenhagen, Brussels and Amsterdam). The colorful, expressive art strikes a particular chord with modernist aficionados, who find delight in works by such figures as Jorn, Appel, Corneille, Constant, Alechinsky and Dotremont. Temporary exhibitions are creative and inspired and its well worth the metro ride out of town.

 

Description: EASTERN CANAL RING. The city's leading photography museum occupies three adjoining canal houses and mounts simultaneous exhibitions in its variety of gallery spaces, focusing on all forms of the medium: from documentary to fashion, historic to contemporary. As well as major exhibits of leading luminaries such as Cecil Beaton, Annie Leibovitz and Guy Bourdin, Foam also stages impressive smaller shows of emerging talent. To beat the crowds head here on Thursday or Friday when it stays open until 9pm and relax after your browse in the museum's modern basement café.

 

Description: PLANTAGE. Able to exhibit only around five percent of its massive three million-strong collection of art and antiquities, Russia's famous State Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg opened a satellite museum in Amsterdam in 2004 devoted to staging rotating exhibitions. Its home is within the monumental Amstelhof, which dates from 1683 and is an impressive example of Dutch classicist architecture. Following renovations completed in summer 2009, the museum now totals 9,925 square meters of exhibition space. Already hundreds of thousands have flocked to previous exhibitions such as one focusing on 18th-century Venetian art and another which displayed personal objects, paintings and photographs belonging to the last Tsar and Tsarina of Russia, Nicholas II and Alexandra.

 

Description: OLD CENTER / RED LIGHT DISTRICT. Rembrandt lived in this gracious, multi-storied home during his greatest period of success. The expansive structure – from 1639 to 1658 – was his home, studio and gallery space. When he went bankrupt in 1656, the house and his belongings were sold, Rembrandt moved to a rented home, and the building was given over to other uses. A meticulous renovation, completed in 1999, restored the structure to its 17th century prominence, and furnishings were replaced based on evidence collected in his own artwork. Today, visitors may tour the rooms, his effects, and view hundreds of drawings and etchings collected by the museum.

 

Description: EASTERN CANAL RING. This relative newcomer on the museum scene devotes itself entirely to one of the most essential fashion accessories for women: the bag. Its specialized collection (the largest of its kind in the world) extends to around 2500 items – including alms purses, thigh bags and vanity-cases – as it traces the history of the bag in Western culture from the 16th century to the present day. Alongside some absolutely fascinating and exquisite pieces – and of course iconic offerings from Versace, Dolce & Gabbana and Dior – there are many unique exhibits including a Chanel bag in the shape of a luxury liner and a bag that took its name from the Clinton family's cat. Bag-aholics however are warned to hold onto their purses when entering the gift shop: It sells a compelling assortment of bags by contemporary international and Dutch designers.

 

Description: EASTERN CANAL RING. A stately, elegant home built in the late 17th century, this museum displays the wealth of generations, as well as various decor styles popular during the past few centuries. The home's final owner, Louisa Holthuysen, bequeathed the residence to the city in the late 19th century on the condition that it be made into a museum. These days, the beautiful interior, the gardens, and the art collection are stunning glimpses into Amsterdam's past and the life of its well-to-do denizens.

 

Description: MUSEUM QUARTER / VONDELPARK. Suffice it to say that this astounding museum, one of the world's finest, boasts some of history's most amazing artworks. More than 7 million objects comprise its collections, which include prints, paintings, sculpture, Asian art, and works detailing the history of the Dutch nation. Dating back to 1798, the museum also hosts works by such notables as Vermeer, Goya, Van Dyck, Rubens and van Ruisdael. It bestows a place of prominence on 'The Night Watch,' perhaps Rembrandt's most famous creation. However, until renovation work is completed on the main building (estimated 2013), only part of the museum is currently open, featuring 'a best of' selection of masterpieces. Additionally, every Friday it's open until 8:30pm with a special programme of events such as talks (in Dutch) or music.

 

Description: MUSEUM QUARTER / VONDELPARK. The main site of Amsterdam's leading modern art museum is currently undergoing extensive renovation and not expected to reopen until Spring 2010. In the meantime, it is on tour at various locations around town (see www.stedelijkindestad.nl).

 

Description: MUSEUM QUARTER / VONDELPARK. Dedicated to preserving the art created by one of history's most well-known yet tortured figures, this museum has compiled an impressive collection of Van Gogh's works. The permanent collection groups pieces according to where Van Gogh lived and the periods of his life; it also arranges them chronologically for effect. In addition, the museum displays works by Van Gogh's contemporaries and maintains holdings of the artist's letters and his own personal collection of Japanese prints. Temporary exhibits can be seen as well. Don't miss its late-opening slot every Friday when it doesn't close until 10pm and offers additional entertainment.