Treasures of Amsterdam July 13th, 2009

    There are more than thirty seven museums in the city of Amsterdam, with a grand variety of diverse collections, permanent and temporary.  Of the largest and most visited are the Stedelijk, the Heritage, the Van Gogh Museum and the Rembrandhuis.  These are all filled with works of the great masters, and the famous painters throughout history, varying from traditional to representational to modern art.

    There has also been an increase in the most recent times, in the surge in popularity of the multi-media installation exhibits as well as in photography.  And any art lover will find it necessary to visit these famous works, of the all time greats, but if one has been before and does feel up to pushing through the crowds, the smaller museums are plentiful and well worth seeing out.  Many are located in close proximity to each other and conveniently close to many of the five star Amsterdam hotels.

    One of the interesting smaller treasures is located very close to the Central Station, just a short walk.  Here in a building, hidden away in the attic is a church that was built in the seventeenth century.  This was the secret worship site for the Catholics at the time, and is now called the Ons’ Lieve Heer.  The Jewish Historical Museum is also close by and has on exhibit some artifacts and objects particular to the religion, the history and the culture of Jewish citizens in the Netherlands.  There is one section set up specifically for kids, where they can learn about the the life, the diet and the culture of Jewish families, And with advent of the popularity of photography, the new museum, Foam has constant exhibits of some of the most inspiring and daring works of photographers living today.  These shows alternate regularly and the gallery runs all year through.  Many do not even bother to see what is hanging first, as it is well known throughout Amsterdam that the curators do their job and they do it well, and there will always be something on the walls that will surprise and amaze the viewers.


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