Every time I visit Amsterdam, I’m captivated by its charm and rich artistic heritage. From the winding canals and historic buildings to the hidden art gems that seem to be around every corner, Amsterdam feels like a city that’s alive with creativity. Angela Youngman’s The Art Lover's Guide to Amsterdam offers a deep dive into this enchanting city's art scene, presenting it as both a guide and a tribute to Amsterdam’s cultural tapestry.

Introduction to Amsterdam’s Art Scene

Youngman opens with a tribute to Amsterdam's long-standing artistic legacy. She captures the unique character of the city, where historic canals flow past rows of gabled houses, and the streets are dotted with modern art installations and historic statues alike. The book gives special attention to iconic locations, like the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, but it goes further by introducing readers to lesser-known places, from small galleries to street art hotspots. The author successfully paints a picture of Amsterdam as an art lover’s paradise, where masterpieces can be found in both well-known museums and unexpected locations like parks or quiet street corners.



A City Shaped by Art Movements

Youngman takes readers through the city’s influence on art movements, especially during the Dutch Golden Age, with figures like Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Frans Hals. Their contributions are celebrated not only in Amsterdam’s museums but also in the cityscape itself, with streets, squares, and statues honoring these artists. Through Youngman’s lens, we see how Amsterdam became a hub for art, attracting and nurturing talent and creating a legacy that still draws global admiration.

The guide delves into the evolution of Dutch art, from the traditional works of the Golden Age to the avant-garde influences of De Stijl, a movement that emphasized minimalism and geometric forms. Artists like Piet Mondrian and Gerrit Rietveld introduced styles that influenced architecture and design globally, and Youngman points out where to spot these works around the city. Each chapter provides background on a specific movement or artist, which adds depth to the book’s overall exploration of Amsterdam’s artistic landscape.





Exploring Amsterdam’s Hidden Art Spots

While the city’s most famous museums are certainly highlighted, Youngman’s guide is particularly valuable for its focus on the “hidden gems” around Amsterdam. She introduces readers to unique art experiences, like the CoBrA Museum in Amstelveen, which celebrates an experimental post-war art movement. She also highlights the vibrant street art culture in places like Moco Museum and the murals near the NDSM Wharf, capturing how Amsterdam’s art scene extends far beyond the walls of traditional galleries.

In addition, Youngman sheds light on art festivals and events, such as the annual Amsterdam Art Weekend. This event offers a chance to experience the city’s contemporary art scene, including exhibitions, artist talks, and live performances. For visitors looking to explore Amsterdam’s art scene beyond typical tourist attractions, Youngman’s recommendations provide a path to discover Amsterdam’s modern creative energy.

A thorough, authoritative guide to art in Amsterdam and surrounding areas. This guide includes brief biographies of the most influential artists, as well as websites for museums and sites mentioned. I feel much less intimidated about visiting Amsterdam after reading this reference source, but convinced I can't possibly spend enough time there to do the city justice. #TheArtLoversGuidetoAmsterdam #NetGalley

The Art Lover's Guide to Amsterdam by Angela Youngman is a must have book, if you are travelling to or thinking of visiting Amsterdam. I found this book excellent and packed with so much information about this amazing City. It was a great find and I enjoyed learning new things about Amsterdam.

Amsterdam is a dream destination to see so many things and especially for art lovers, this attracts thousands of visitors to its stunning museums and art galleries each year. It is a book that you can plan your stay in Amsterdam and cram as much in to see whilst you are there.

For example; You can plan to see The Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum contain internationally renowned collections of art works such as Rembrandt’s Night Watch and Van Gogh’s Sunflower's, which are a must to see.
But there are other famous art works to go and see as well these are in many unusual locations offering hidden treasures such as funeral art, WW2 Resistance Art, Jewish art, gargoyle sculptures, cat themed art, diamond sculptures and Van Gogh’s starry night portrayed in diamonds. which is also a must to go and see.

There is a vast array of art related destinations to be explored in Amsterdam.

There is also excellent transport system and it makes it easy to see so much in one day. You can go and visit nearby towns and cities like Haarlem, Rotterdam, Den’Boch, Delft or Utrecht as well as areas lVolendam and Amstelveen.

Or just spend a few hours or a day in the local cafes people watching! or walking the back streets and do some great window shopping!

I loved Amsterdam and this book is a great little book to help you start your adventure.

I found this book to be an incredibly helpful companion for my trip to Amsterdam. As I was preparing for my visit, I found the information in this book to be both informative and well-curated, making it the perfect guide for anyone planning a trip to this vibrant city.

One of the highlights for me was the detailed coverage of Amsterdam’s art scene. As an art lover, I truly appreciated the in-depth information on the city's renowned artists and the world-class museums that house their work. The book provided insights into the history and significance of these cultural landmarks, which helped me gain a deeper appreciation for the places I visited. Even if you're not a huge art enthusiast, the way the author presents the information makes it accessible and engaging for everyone.

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I have flown through Amsterdam several times including this year on my way to Spain. But I have only visited Amsterdam once. I am a museum goer and have visited several of the museums covered in this book. The book is informative and is a decent beginner guide book. It begins with some history of Holland and Amsterdam. And then covers some of the more famous historical artists. Next comes a section of various museums in the city. In addition to art museums it covers museums with focus on cannabis, tulips, film, maritime, science, etc. Of course there is a sections on the Rijks and Van Gogh museums. I really enjoyed the last third of the book focusing on museums in the surrounding areas that would be a car or train ride away.

I am actively looking for an air sale to Amsterdam for this year and have added museums from this book to my list of places to visit. That being said, I wish the book was more comparative. There is no grading system for costs, importance of the collections or suggestions of amount of time to spend. I would have liked a map so I could know the locations for museums. I have been known to run into smaller or less important museums if they are close to other sites I am visiting. I did like that the book lists the web sites for each so more details like hours, and pricing can be found.

I know there are other similar books for Paris and Barcelona and other cities but they are written by various authors. And I appreciate the many color photos in the guide.

This was a very informative book. I loved seeing what art was in Amsterdam and all the beautiful works of art the city has to offer.

As someone who visits Amsterdam regularly, this art lover's guide was really good! It shows you all the great arty places in Amsterdam *and* near Amsterdam! My country, the Netherlands, is small and thus you can be on the other side of the country in 2-3 hours. I love that it shows more arty places than just Amsterdam because Museum Voorlinden, for example, is amazing, but not in Amsterdam.

I really recommend if you love art and will be visting the Netherlands for a while.

This is the Wikipedia introduction to Amsterdam as an art lover's destination. There's a lot of information, a lot of detail, but not much depth. As an example, the book claims to embrace the new art of the city in addition to the old, but in the section on the artists of Amsterdam, only the usual suspects are listed. So, as for any travel book, sample before you buy.

If you are planning a trip to Amsterdam or are just a lover of all things Art and Architecture, then I highly recommend picking this book up.

It shares the wonders of Amsterdam - from its canal-side houses, street art, architectural incredible buildings and many museums and galleries with incredible artwork.

The Floating Flower Market, Bulb Fields with their Windmills, NEMO Science Museum, Diamant Museum, The Upside Down, Cheese Market, Tulip Gardens and Delft Blue Garden had me wanting to book a holiday quick smart.

Thank-you @penswordbooks @netgalley and Angela Youngman for this Digital Advanced Readers Copy, in exchange for an honest review.

If you’re an art lover, Amsterdam is your paradise! From the iconic masterpieces at the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum to quirky gems like cat paintings and fluorescent art, the city is brimming with creativity. You’ll find treasures everywhere, from outdoor sculptures by Picasso and Keith Haring to hidden gems like funeral and Resistance art. Plus, short trips to nearby towns like Haarlem or Delft let you dive even deeper into Dutch art history, from the Golden Age to modern movements. It’s a vibrant celebration of artists like Van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Mondrian that’s impossible to resist!

The Art Lover's Guide to Amsterdam by Angela Youngman is an excellent resource for anyone keen to explore the city's rich artistic heritage. This guide doesn’t just focus on the obvious highlights; it dives into Amsterdam's lesser-known gems, such as contemporary art spaces and hidden galleries. Youngman’s writing reflects a deep understanding of the city's art scene, seamlessly blending historical insights with practical advice. Including walking routes and detailed maps adds a hands-on element, making navigating both the bustling city centre and quieter neighbourhoods easier. What sets this guide apart is its attention to local culture, showcasing how Amsterdam’s artistic past continues to inspire its vibrant, modern scene. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or just curious, this book perfectly balances between being informative and accessible.
I particularly appreciated the chapter on the various artistic movements that have shaped the city, offering readers/visitors a fresh and more insightful perspective. The section dedicated to day trips from the capital is also a lovely addition.
An invaluable companion for an art-filled adventure!

Traveling to Amsterdam? Visiting virtually? Enjoying memories of past travel? If any of these appeal, this title is a terrific, photo filled resource. Chapters include The Netherlands, Amsterdam, Dutch Art Movements, Key Artist Profiles, Artist’s Amsterdam, Exploring Amsterdam’s Art and, Within Easy Reach of Amsterdam.

Go to, and also beyond the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museums in these pages to other treasured spots. Consider works by Bosch, Mondrian, Hals and many others.

I think that this is an excellent resource. I will purchase the hard copy.

Many thanks to Pen & Sword-White Owl and NetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own.

First are foremost this is a love letter to Amsterdam it's history, it's people and it's art. It is a long time since I visited Amsterdam but this book brought all of my fond memories of the place flooding back. It covers the various art movements giving you a good grounding to the fabulous art it them goes on to show you. The illustrations and photographs are stunning. I felt as though I was there again. Sigh ........

First of all, Thank You, Netgalley for the ARC granted to me. I truly love travel location guides that can elaborate infos and curiosities abo0ut the place in subject. This one was pretty well built, with a deep and yet dynamic narrative bringing sound cultural content from the Amsterdam. totally recommended!

For all those people who head straight to the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, this brilliant book has lots of other artistic suggestions. I particularly liked the options for travelling beyond Amsterdam to see more art in cities that are easily overlooked. I understand why there's an orange cover but the text in the same colour inside was not that easy on the eye. I'll definitely recommend this book for anyone visiting the Netherlands.

The concept and the information are wonderful.
If you are like me, and your favourite art pieces are mainly in Amsterdam, Madrid and London, and your favourite painters happen to be Dutch, you will love this book.
It works like a reminder and a guide for your future travels,
I did not love the entire layout and the design, but I am sure that the photos will look better in print.