Amsterdam art and photography trip 2026
We arrived in Amsterdam tired from our early start but excited to start exploring, the city instantly greeting us with its maze of canals, narrow gabled houses, and the constant whizzing by of cyclists. After dropping our bags at the hotel, which would prove to be a comfortable and welcoming base for the next few days, we wasted no time heading back out.
Our first experience was a canal cruise, the perfect introduction to a city built on water. As we drifted along, we learned about some of the famous areas and buildings that we were passing. With cameras in hand, we began capturing reflections, bridges, and passing boats. After the cruise, we wandered towards Dam Square, the lively historic heart of the city. Street performers entertained us by the Royal Palace, and we explored nearby independent shops tucked into side streets.
Our second day was completely dedicated to art and photography, and it did not disappoint.
We began at the Van Gogh Museum, home to the largest collection of Vincent van Gogh’s work in the world. Seeing pieces such as Sunflowers and The Bedroom in person gave us a deeper understanding of his emotional brushwork and use of colour. An art historian guided us through his artistic development, from darker early works to the vibrant, expressive style he is now famous for. Learning about his letters to his brother.
Next, we visited the Stedelijk Museum, a striking modern building housing contemporary and modern art. Here, we explored movements such as De Stijl, the Dutch artistic movement connected to Mondrian and an inspirational photography exhibition by Erwin Olaf. Next was the Moco Museum, the work here shifted to bold and provocative contemporary pieces. We saw works by artists like Banksy, Robbie Williams and Yayoi Kusama.
Finally, we spent time at FOAM, Amsterdam’s renowned photography museum. This was particularly inspiring for us as photographers. We attended insightful talks by working photographers who shared their creative processes, discussing composition, storytelling, and the ethical responsibilities behind documentary photography. It encouraged us to think more deeply about the images we create. That evening, back at the hotel, we filled sketchbooks with ideas sparked by the galleries, compared photographs we had taken around the city, and relaxed by playing pool and other games together.
Our final day was centred around a visit to the Anne Frank House, a powerful and emotional experience. The museum began with an educational session and discussion about Anne Frank’s life, the rise of Nazism, and the impact of World War II on Jewish families in the Netherlands. We reflected on how the Frank family went into hiding in 1942 in a secret annex behind Otto Frank’s office. Walking through the narrow rooms of the annex, preserved as they were, was incredibly moving. Seeing the actual spaces where Anne wrote her diary brought history into sharp focus. The experience encouraged thoughtful conversations among us about resilience, prejudice, and the importance of remembering the past. It was sobering, but deeply meaningful. Afterwards, we travelled back through the city by tram, something we had become quite used to over the three days and began our return journey on Eurostar.
Our hotel provided a comfortable place to recharge each evening, and the mix of structured gallery visits with independent exploration made the trip feel extremely enjoyable. All pupils were fantastic making it a very enjoyable trip for myself and Mrs Nasar!
