Imagine: it’s Saturday evening, 1 November 2025. The city of Amsterdam is buzzing, but not like on an ordinary Saturday. More than fifty museums are opening their doors deep into the night. Music fills the air, light installations flash, and the murmur of curious visitors surrounds you. This is Museumnacht Amsterdam, an annual event that brings together art, culture and celebration. In this article, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about this special night. I’ll share my own experiences, handy tips, and what you absolutely shouldn’t miss during the 25th edition of Museumnacht Amsterdam.
What is Museumnacht Amsterdam?
Museumnacht Amsterdam is an annual cultural event where more than fifty museums in the city open their doors after closing time. This year marks the 25th edition, taking place on Saturday 1 November 2025, from 19:00 to 02:00. With just one ticket, you can hop between different museums all evening and night. Each museum offers a special programme, often including music, workshops, guided tours and interactive exhibitions.
The atmosphere during Museumnacht is unique. You don’t walk in silence past paintings, but dance among the artworks, join creative workshops or listen to live music. Many museums go all out with DJs, pop-up performances and food trucks. It’s a festive, lively evening full of surprises. You’ll experience art in a way you wouldn’t normally encounter during the day.
Note: your Museumkaart or I amsterdam City Card is not valid during Museumnacht. You’ll need a separate ticket, available via the official Museumnacht Amsterdam website. Tickets are popular and often sell out quickly, so don’t wait too long.
Participating museums and locations
Every year, more than fifty museums take part in Museumnacht Amsterdam. Think of well-known names such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk Museum. But smaller, surprising places also open their doors, such as the NEMO Science Museum, the Tropenmuseum and FOAM Photography Museum.
What makes this night so special is that each museum creates its own unique programme. At the Rijksmuseum, for example, you can join a night tour of the Night Watch, while at the Tropenmuseum you can take part in workshops about world cultures. At the NEMO Science Museum, you can experiment with light and sound, specially designed for this night.
Alongside the big museums, there are also special locations you may not know yet. Think of Museum Van Loon, the Grachtenmuseum or the Amsterdam Pipe Museum. Museumnacht is the perfect chance to discover these hidden gems.
Special programmes and activities
The programme of Museumnacht Amsterdam is surprising and innovative every year. In 2025, the 25th edition will focus on creativity, inclusivity and connection. Many museums organise extra activities such as interactive exhibitions, live performances and creative workshops.
A special highlight this year is the Pop-up Museum on Deaf Culture and Dutch Sign Language. Here you can explore the rich culture of the deaf community and even join a short sign language workshop. This is a great example of the attention given to different communities during Museumnacht.
In addition to art and culture, there’s also plenty of music. Several museums invite DJs to perform among the artworks. The Stedelijk Museum turns into a dance floor, while FOAM Photography Museum offers intimate live performances. Food & drinks are also well represented, with pop-up bars and food trucks at various locations.
Tips for your Museumnacht
Want to get the most out of Museumnacht Amsterdam? Here are a few practical tips. First of all: buy your ticket in time via the official website. Tickets sell out fast every year, so don’t wait too long.
Plan your route in advance. It’s impossible to visit all the museums in one night. Choose three to five museums you really want to see. Check the programme per location on the Museumnacht website and make a plan. Keep in mind travel time between museums; luckily, extra night buses will be running, and cycling is often an option.
Bring a charged phone so you can access the programme and your tickets. Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking and standing a lot. And don’t forget: it’s often busy, so stay flexible and let yourself be surprised by spontaneous performances or unexpected encounters.
- Tip 1: Start at a lesser-known museum. It’s usually quieter and gives you time to look around calmly.
- Tip 2: Try at least one workshop or interactive activity. It will make your evening extra special.
- Tip 3: Take a break at a food truck or pop-up bar. That way, you’ll enjoy not only art but also tasty food and drinks.
Atmosphere and experience during the night
The atmosphere at Museumnacht Amsterdam is truly unique. You’ll see people of all ages everywhere – from students to families and culture enthusiasts. The city feels like one big cultural festival, but inside the walls of the most beautiful museums.
Many museums use special light installations, giving the rooms a magical glow. You’ll walk through corridors that are normally dark, but now bathed in colourful light. At some locations, you’ll stumble upon a pop-up performance, such as a dance show or a spoken word artist among the paintings.
What I always find special is the mix of art and festivity. You might be dancing to electronic music at the Stedelijk, then an hour later sitting in silence at a lecture in the Jewish Historical Museum. This variety is what makes Museumnacht so memorable.
Practical information and tickets
The 25th edition of Museumnacht Amsterdam takes place on Saturday 1 November 2025, from 19:00 to 02:00. Tickets are only available via the official Museumnacht Amsterdam website. The price for a ticket is around €22.50 (2025 price level), which gives you access to all participating museums and activities.
Note: the Museumkaart and I amsterdam City Card are not valid during Museumnacht. You’ll need a separate ticket. After purchase, you’ll receive a digital ticket, which you can show on your phone at the entrance of each museum.
Most museums are within walking or cycling distance of each other. Extra night buses will also be running, especially for Museumnacht. On the website, you’ll find a handy map and overview of all participating locations. Keep in mind that some museums have a maximum number of visitors per time slot. Make sure to reserve your spot for popular activities in time.
The surroundings: Amsterdam by night
Museumnacht Amsterdam lets you experience the city in a completely different way. You’ll walk or cycle through the atmospheric streets, past canals shimmering in the glow of light installations. In many places around the city, you’ll meet other Museumnacht visitors, creating a cosy and connected atmosphere.
The museums are spread across the whole of Amsterdam. This means you’ll find yourself in areas you might not normally visit. From Museumplein to the Eastern Docklands, and from the Jordaan to Amsterdam-Noord – there’s something happening everywhere.
Afterwards, you can enjoy a drink in one of the many cafés that stay open late. Some museums even host an afterparty, where you can close the night together with other visitors. That way, Museumnacht becomes not only a cultural but also a social highlight.
Why you shouldn’t miss Museumnacht
Museumnacht Amsterdam is so much more than just a night at the museum. It’s a unique opportunity to experience art and culture in a way you wouldn’t normally during the day. You’ll discover new places, meet inspiring people, and be surprised by creative programmes.
Whether you’re a seasoned museum-goer or someone who rarely visits museums: Museumnacht is for everyone. The mix of art, music, workshops and festive atmosphere makes this night unforgettable. It’s the perfect way to get to know Amsterdam in a different light.
Want to be there on 1 November 2025? Mark the date in your diary, get your tickets on time, and prepare for a night full of inspiration, creativity and fun. Who knows – I might see you among the artworks!