The Museumplein is a city park in Amsterdam South. The park owes its name to the four museums adjacent to it: the Rijksmuseum, the Stedelijk Museum, the Van Gogh Museum and the Moco Museum. The Concertgebouw is also located on the Museumplein.
Construction of the Rijksmuseum started in 1876, on a vacant lot just outside the city walls. Villas were to be built behind the museum, but in the end it was decided to leave a large part of the grounds free. In 1903 the site was given the name Museumplein. The area was used for various world exhibitions at the end of the 19th century. In winter, an ice rink appeared, on which a number of ice skating championships were held. Until 1940, the Amsterdam Ice Club was located on the Museumplein. During the Second World War bunkers were built, which were demolished after the war. In the 1990s, an underground parking garage and supermarket were built under the Museumplein and the square was redesigned. The lawn was laid out, as well as the pond with paving all around. In 2012 and 2013, the entrances to the Stedelijk Museum and the Van Gogh Museum were moved to Museumplein, giving Museumplein the appearance it has today.
Over the years, the Museumplein has become a popular place in Amsterdam as a park and event site. On a sunny day, the lawns are used for soccer, picnics and petanque. It is a wonderful place to rest after a visit to a museum or a walk through the city. There are terraces and a museum shop around the pond. An ice skating rink is still being built in winter.
Do you want to experience the atmosphere of the Museumplein yourself? This is best done with a local private guide from Aroundfriends. Will we see you there?