Amsterdam is not just the golden age of Rembrandt and Vermeer. The city also boasts a world-class modern and contemporary art scene.
During theholidays in Amsterdam, two museums stand out for those who love 20th and 21st-century art: theStedelijk Museum(historical and institutional) and theMoco Museum(young, private, and dedicated to street and pop art). This guide explores both, with comparisons, key works, and visiting tips.
The Stedelijk Museum: The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of the Netherlands
TheStedelijk Museum(pronounced “stede-lik,” meaning “municipal”) is the national museum of modern, contemporary art, and design. Founded in 1874, it occupies a historic building from 1895, alongside a modern white wing shaped like a bathtub (nicknamed “the bathtub” by locals). It is located on Museumplein, between the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum.
Permanent Collection
The collection spans from 1870 to the present, with strengths in:
Modern historical painting:masterpieces byVincent van Gogh(some),Wassily Kandinsky(lyrical abstraction),Kazimir Malevich(suprematism, including the famousBlack Square), Piet Mondrian(neoplasticism, with his grids of primary colors).
Abstract Expressionism and Pop Art:works byJackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, Andy Warhol(Marilyn series, soup cans),Roy Lichtenstein.
Contemporary Art:installations byBruce Nauman, Mona Hatoum, Marlene Dumas(South African-Dutch painter),Rineke Dijkstra(photography).
Design and Applied Arts:furniture byGerrit Rietveld(the red-blue chair), plastic objects from the 1960s, posters, jewelry, fashion.
Photography:one of the most important European collections, featuring authors such asHenri Cartier-Bresson, Robert Mapplethorpe, Nan Goldin.
Must-See Works
Black Square(Malevich, 1915): the icon of Suprematism.
Composition with Red, Yellow and Blue(Mondrian, 1927): Neoplasticism in action.
Marilyn(Warhol, 1967): the famous silkscreen.
Bedroom(Van Gogh, 1888): the museum owns one of the three versions.
The Red-Blue Chair(Rietveld, 1923): an icon of Dutch design.
Architecture
The historic building (1895) has a brick facade and an imposing staircase. The new wing (2012) designed by Benthem Crouwel is a white, curvilinear volume that deliberately contrasts. Inside, there are large open spaces and natural light.
Plan Your Visit
Reservation:recommended (online), mandatory on weekends and during high season.
Duration:minimum 2 hours; for enthusiasts, 3-4 hours.
Audio guide:available in Italian, includes commentary on selected works.
Admission:paid; free for under 18. The Museumkaart (Dutch museum card) is valid.
The Moco Museum: Banksy, Warhol, and Street Art
TheMoco Museum(Modern Contemporary Museum) is a private museum, opened in 2016 in a historic villa (Villa Alsberg) on Museumplein, across from the Stedelijk. It is dedicated to street, pop, and contemporary art, with a focus on living and rebellious artists. It is very popular among young people and those seeking a less institutional experience.
Permanent Collection
The collection revolves around:
Banksy (anonymous street artist):the museum has one of the largest European collections of Banksy, with works such asLaugh Now(monkey with sign),Flower Thrower, Girl with Balloon(in original version on wall or print),Soup Can(parody of Warhol). Some works are interactive.
Andy Warhol:screen prints, polaroids, the seriesMao.
Jean-Michel Basquiat:paintings and drawings (few pieces, but significant).
Keith Haring:figures in motion, pop icons.
JR(French photographer of participatory art),Kaws(the famous Companion dolls),Yayoi Kusama(a room with her famous polka dots and pumpkins, often with mirrors),Damien Hirst(butterfly and pills).
Temporary Exhibitions
Moco organizes rotating exhibitions on emerging artists or pop icons (for example, on Salvador Dalí, Frida Kahlo, Studio Irma). They are often very 'Instagrammable' (room with mirrors, neon lights, immersive installations).
Museum Features
Size:small (visited in 60-90 minutes).
Atmosphere:relaxed, background music, photography is allowed (without flash) in almost all rooms.
Audience:predominantly under 35, tourists, street art lovers.
Plan Your Visit
Reservation:mandatory online (always, even in low season). Tickets are often sold out days in advance.
Duration:1 hour (maximum 1.5 hours).
Audio guide:included in the price (in English, also available in other languages via app).
There are no lockers:only paid cloakroom.
Comparison Stedelijk vs Moco
| Feature | Stedelijk Museum | Moco Museum |
|---|---|---|
| Focalization | Modern/contemporary art, design | Street art, pop art, living artists |
| Artists | Mondrian, Malevich, Kandinsky, Warhol, Pollock, Rietveld | Banksy, Warhol, Basquiat, Haring, Kusama, Kaws |
| Building | Historic + modern wing (large) | Historic villa (small) |
| Visit duration | 2-4 hours | 1-1.5 hours |
| Atmosphere | Museum-like, quiet, educational | Festive, noisy, photographic |
| Ticket price | Medium-high | Higher (for size) |
| Queues | High but manageable with reservation | Very high, reservation essential |
| Child-friendly | Yes, with a treasure hunt | Yes, but some Banksy works are violent |
Other Contemporary Art Spaces in Amsterdam
W139:non-profit exhibition space in the center, emerging art.
De Appel:center for contemporary art, experimental.
FOAM Foundation:photography museum (deserves a separate article).
NDSM (Noord):giant open-air street art museum (free).
FAQ - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS STEDELIIK MUSEUM AND MOCO
Which of the two museums is more suitable for children?
Both. TheStedelijkhas treasure hunts and interactive areas for families. TheMocoIt is very popular with pre-teens (from 10 years old) for its colors and recognizable subjects (Banksy). For children under 6 years old, the Stedelijk is better (more space).
Can I take photos at the Moco Museum?
Yes, photography without flash is allowed in most rooms (some temporary exhibitions prohibit it). The Stedelijk allows photos without flash for personal use, but not in temporary exhibitions (check signage).
How much does it cost to enter the two museums?
Prices change continuously. Approximately: Stedelijk 18-22 euros; Moco 18-25 euros. The Stedelijk offers discounts for students and seniors over 65. The Moco only has discounts for children. Check the official websites.
How far in advance do I need to book for the Moco?
In high season (April-September, weekends, holidays)at least 2-3 weeks in advance. Tickets sell out quickly. In low season, a few days are enough. The Stedelijk is easier (even 1-2 days in advance).
Is there a museum that includes Banksy and Warhol together?
TheMocois the best for Banksy and Warhol together. The Stedelijk has Warhol but not Banksy (except for temporary exhibitions). If you are mainly interested in street art, choose Moco. If you want a comprehensive view of modern art, the Stedelijk is better.
Is the Stedelijk wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the entire museum (both buildings) is accessible. There are elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms. The Moco is in a historic villa with some architectural barriers (stone floors, steps). Check the website for details.
Can I see Van Gogh's Bedroom at the Stedelijk?
Yes, the Stedelijk has one of the three versions of theBedroom. The other two are at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam and the Musée d’Orsay in Paris. Check if it is on display (on rotation).
Stedelijk Museum and Moco
Contemporary art in Amsterdam is rich and varied. TheStedelijk Museumrepresents the classic, comprehensive, and in-depth choice for those who want to understand the evolution of art from 1870 to today. TheMoco Museumis the fresh, social, and fun choice, perfect for those who love Banksy, pop art, and immersive installations. During theholidays in Amsterdam, you can easily visit both (they are 100 meters apart), perhaps dedicating the morning to the Stedelijk and the afternoon to the Moco. Two different, yet equally stimulating ways to discover the more rebellious and experimental soul of the Dutch capital.
To discover all the artistic attractions of the Dutch capital, read our complete guide to Amsterdam.
Revision date:November 15, 2025