The 5 Best Art Schools in Amsterdam for Your Creative Journey
Getting into Amsterdam’s creative scene often starts with finding the right place to learn.
Some students want a full fine arts programme. Others want portfolio support, digital media training, or relaxed evening classes that fit around work.
That’s why choosing the best art school in Amsterdam depends on more than reputation. Curriculum, studio access, teaching style, and community all matter.
I looked through the top options across the city to help you find a programme that fits your goals and the kind of artist you want to become.
How much does it cost to attend art school in Amsterdam?
Attending art school in Amsterdam typically costs between €2,694 and €10,000 per year for tuition, plus monthly living expenses of up to €1,700, depending on the programme type and your enrolment level.
| Programme Type | Estimated Cost |
| European Union/European Economic Area Tuition | €2,694 – €2,706 per year |
| Non-EU/EEA Tuition | €7,600 – €10,500+ per year |
| Monthly Living Expenses | €1,000 – €1,700 per month |
| Annual Art Supplies | €500 – €1,000+ per year |
1. Amsterdam University of the Arts
Website: ahk.nl
Address: Jodenbreestraat 3
Contact: +31 20 527 7710 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday to Thursday, 10:00 AM to 12:45 PM and 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM
Amsterdam University of the Arts is a strong choice if you want a creative education that crosses disciplines.
It brings together six academies covering areas like theatre, design, dance, music, and visual arts, which gives students room to collaborate beyond one field.
The school also connects academic study with professional practice. A recent graduate told me this made the learning feel practical because coursework was often tied to real creative work.
Plus, the campus is busy and easy to network in, especially if you’re also taking singing lessons in Amsterdam on the side.
The main drawback is that students may need to find their own mandatory professional workplace. You should also be sure before enrolling, since deregistering after September 1 can still leave you responsible for tuition for each registered month.
Customer Reviews
Excellent Dance and Theatre Training
University for Dance and Theatre in Amsterdam. It offers excellent training (dance education, sndo, ECD, ballet, etc.) but also in other disciplines, theatre, cinema, etc. Coming back to dance, there are evening dance classes for amateurs in most popular styles and techniques.
– P. ACOGNY | Google Review
2. Vondelpark Atelier
Website: vondelparkatelier.nl
Address: Stadhouderskade 96hs
Contact: +31 6 2007 6440 | [email protected]
Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Vondelpark Atelier is a good fit if you want to strengthen your technique while rethinking how you approach your work. Its courses connect ideas across different creative disciplines, which can help you move past old habits.
The teaching combines classic design principles with more modern methods. That gives students a clearer foundation without making the classes feel too rigid.
What stood out to me is that fixed courses and tailored workshops are taught fully in English, which makes the studio especially accessible for international students.
The main catch is location. Groups of more than five usually move to the larger industrial space in IJmuiden, so the class may not stay central. The office also works by appointment only, so you need to call ahead before visiting.
Customer Reviews
Impressive Progress at Art School
Nice art school! I came without any experience and after each lesson the progress was extremely impressive! The teacher can explain the material in the non-standard method, you start seeing things differently. Is definitely worth price and time and also a great opportunity to meet new people!
– Anna Mikhaylova | Google Review
3. Lisart
Website: lisart.nl
Address: Damrak 68 R
Contact: +31 6 4049 6966 | [email protected]
Hours: Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM; Wednesday and Sunday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Lisart is a good choice for emerging artists who want room to work at their own pace.
The classes are flexible, allowing you to explore different mediums, from oil paint to alcohol inks, without being boxed into one style.
I also like that lessons are separated by age. Certified instructors teach younger children separately from teens, which keeps the sessions focused and easier to follow.
One helpful perk is that you can safely store an unfinished canvas at the studio and return to it during your next lesson. For at-home practice, Lisart also sells abstract portrait kits with video tutorials.
That clear structure rivals what you’d expect from the better tutoring centres in Amsterdam.
The drawbacks are small but worth noting. Shipping costs for original artwork can vary, and the booking system only lets you reserve five sessions at a time.
Customer Reviews
Amazing Experience and Great Studio
Lisa is amazing and her studio is as well. Took a package of 5 classes and had a blast. Painted first time with oil and with her explanation was able to create a number of pieces that I’m really proud of. Thank you Lisa, until next time I’m in Amsterdam!
– Oren Levin | Google Review
Talented Guide and Artistic Growth
The place is really an amazing venue to explore art. Lisa is a very talented both as an artist and guide. The classes are an experience in itself. There is such a bond that develops in her classes between the artists. I have observed impressive artistic growth amongst the artists. Every week I truly look forward to class. Highly recommended.
– Madeeha Khan | Google Review
4. Art Studio Amsterdam
Website: meetup.com/artstudioamsterdam
Address: Recht Boomssloot 52
Contact: +31 6 3902 5919 | [email protected]
Hours: Contact for availability
Art Studio Amsterdam is a strong pick if you want an evening class with proper technique and a relaxed social feel. Sessions include Italian wine and light bites, which makes the experience feel less stiff than a standard art lesson.
When I attended a Thursday evening workshop, the setting stood out right away. The Amsterdamse School building has high ceilings and colourful stained glass that make the class feel special.
I also like their multi-week foundation courses, which include validation workshops in the final session. This is useful if you’re preparing for higher education.
The teaching team uses more than 50 prepared lessons, covering both abstract work and classic representational styles.
The catch is that you can’t enrol directly through the main platform. Bookings go through outside systems, which may add ticketing fees. They also require electronic payment and don’t accept cash on-site.
Customer Reviews
Great Workshop and Friendly Host
Very nice location and space, a real old school Amsterdam experience. We did an art workshop here through Airbnb and had a lot of fun. Seçil, our host and the artist was very friendly and knowledgeable and had nice stories. She’s flexible, easy going and had nice drinks and snacks. I recommend this!
– Tess Löwenhardt | Google Review
5. MK Ateliers
Website: mkateliers.nl
Address: Mauritskade 24
Contact: +31 20 692 0093 | [email protected]
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM to 10:30 PM; Saturday, 10:00 AM to 10:30 PM
MK Ateliers offers more than 70 courses across free and applied visual arts, so there’s plenty of room to explore different directions.
The courses are built around eight-lesson blocks. You can take one theme on its own or continue with another block when you’re ready.
I like that the painting track leaves space for creative freedom, especially since beginners don’t need a technical background to join.
The centre also works with secondary schools, offering tailored lessons for different age groups in professional studios.
The main drawback is the Dutch-language preference in many core tracks, so basic Dutch can help. Some courses may also include extra material fees.
Customer Reviews
Joy of Painting for Beginners
Great school! Did the course schilderen zoals jij dat wilt from Job Balk and had a great time. Started as beginner, although I would say the course is really for all levels, and really discovered the joy of painting thanks to the space Job created to both adventure on your own as well as ask for advice and ideas for work.
– Quirien van Unen | Google Review