Amsterdam museums
Amsterdam has a rich treasury of museums. A number of them focus on the great works of art that have been born in the Netherlands. The Rijksmuseum and the Stedelijk are known around the world for the masterpieces that they contain. There are entire museums dedicated to geniuses like Van Gogh and Rembrandt. The Museum Van Loon features works by one of Rembrandt's most successful students. The arts are also celebrated in the Netherlands Film Museum and the Theater Museum.

There are a variety of historical museums in the city as well. As the name suggests, the Amsterdam Historical Museum tells the story of the city itself, while the Dutch Resistance Museum, the Anne Frank House, the Amstelkring Museum and the Jewish Historical Museum focus on the struggles of those who lived - and died - in Amsterdam's darker periods.

Of course, a major part of Dutch history includes her years as a leader in exploration and maritime commerce. The Maritime Museum tells a great deal about those years and the vessels that brought the world to Amsterdam. The Tropenmuseum is filled with the culture and treasure that they found along the way.

Amsterdam claims a few other unique museums. The Heineken Experience features the nation's most famous export. The Sex Museum and Erotic Museum attempt to give some insight into human sexuality (or at least to Amsterdam's Red Light District). Visitors will quickly be taken by the number of people who live - literally - on the canals. The House Boat Museum will give you an up-close look at their residences.

The Torture Museum and the Hash Marijuana Hemp Museum are both fascinating, even if you aren't personally involved with either of the subjects. And if all that still isn't enough, Amsterdam has its own version of Madame Tussaud's wax museum.