Amsterdam is one of the most popular European vacation destinations for people within the continental countries as well as though from around the world. In addition to the famous architectural elements and historic buildings there are numerous museums in the city that attract most of the people who visit and stay in one of the hotels in Amsterdam . And while visiting a museum may not be the primary reason many people travel to the city, viewing the exhibits and one or more of them is definitely one of the greatest highlights of most trips. The Van Gogh Museum and the Rembrandt House are just two of the great art based museums that are present in the city and visited by people from around the world.

The Van Gogh Museum has the largest collection in the world of Vincent Van Gogh’s drawings and paintings. In addition it features many of the works of his contemporaries and has an impressively extensive permanent collection. The museum opened in 1973 and has been one of Amsterdam’s most popular attractions since that time. The museum’s primary exhibit is a collection of works that covers the artistic life story of Van Gogh. Various works of art cover distinct phases in the artist’s life and career and highlights certain aspects of his childhood through various emotional difficulties and phases in adulthood. One of his three Sunflowers paintings is featured.

The Rembrandt House is another great institution that is dedicated to the work of a great artist. In addition, the museum is located in what was once the home of this great artist. He lived and worked in this historic house for much of his career. He purchased it in 1639 and lived there until 1656, at which time he became bankrupt and all his belongings and works went up for auction. Early in the 20th century the building was turned into a museum and the early collection was based primarily on sketches and touring exhibits and has continued to grow and expand throughout the decades. This is not only a great place to view Rembrandt’s work but also to stand in his footsteps and imagine him working in the same spot.