• Rijksmuseum Amsterdam outside front view with blue sky and the two towers of the front view of the museum
  • The Rijksmuseum Amsterdam - Nightwatch painting by Rembrandt
  • The Rijksmuseum Amsterdam night view outside
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The Rijksmuseum Amsterdam

The Rijksmuseum Amsterdam

The Rijksmuseum is the crown jewel of Dutch cultural heritage. Located at Museumplein, it houses over 8,000 artworks spanning 800 years. Masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Hals define the Dutch Golden Age. Highlights include The Night Watch, The Milkmaid, and Delftware collections. The museum also features sculpture, ship models, and Asian art. A 2013 renovation added a modern atrium and improved visitor flow. Its architecture blends Gothic and Renaissance elements by Pierre Cuypers. Gardens, a library, and a Michelin-starred restaurant enhance the visit. Audio guides and exhibitions appeal to all ages and interests. A must-see for anyone visiting Amsterdam or studying European art.

Opening hours

  • Monday: 09:00 - 17:00
  • Tuesday: 09:00 - 17:00
  • Wednesday: 09:00 - 17:00
  • Thursday: 09:00 - 17:00
  • Friday: 09:00 - 17:00
  • Saturday: 09:00 - 17:00
  • Sunday: 09:00 - 17:00

How to get there

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From €55,00

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Rijksmuseum Amsterdam – Discover 800 Years of Dutch Art and History
The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam is the national museum of art and history in the Netherlands. It is located in the heart of Museumplein and displays more than 8,000 works of art and objects. The museum offers a powerful journey through eight centuries of Dutch creativity, culture, and craftsmanship.

With world-famous paintings, beautiful architecture, and rich storytelling, this is a must-visit for art lovers and curious travelers.

What to See

  • The Night Watch by Rembrandt
  • The Milkmaid and Woman Reading a Letter by Vermeer
  • Dutch Golden Age works by Hals, Steen, and Ruisdael
  • Delftware, antique jewelry, and ornate furniture
  • Model ships, weapons, and historical objects
  • Changing exhibitions on photography and design

Each gallery tells a clear story—blending art, history, and emotion.

What You’ll Learn

  • How the Dutch Golden Age shaped global culture
  • Why light and perspective became key in Dutch art
  • How trade, religion, and exploration shaped society
  • The stories of Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Queen Wilhelmina
  • How Dutch art continues to influence today’s world

Interactive displays and multilingual audio guides are available for all visitors.

Architecture and Setting
The museum itself is a masterpiece. Designed by Pierre Cuypers, it opened in 1885 and blends Gothic and Renaissance styles. Its high ceilings, mosaics, and stained glass offer beauty in every detail.

A major renovation in 2013 added a modern glass atrium. This improved visitor flow while preserving the building’s historic character.

The Rijksmuseum sits at the south end of Museumplein. It’s surrounded by gardens and near the Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum, and Concertgebouw.

Practical Info

  • Open daily from 9:00 – 17:00
  • Tickets: €22.50 (adults), free for under 18
  • Free entry with Museumkaart or I amsterdam City Card
  • Café, gift shop, and public garden
  • Easy to reach by tram, bike, or walking

The Rijksmuseum is more than a museum—it’s a place to connect with Dutch history, art, and identity. Every visit reveals something new.

Some Highlights of The Rijksmuseum Amsterdam

The Rijksmuseum Amsterdam - Nightwatch painting by Rembrandt

Rembrandt van Rijn – The Night Watch (1642)

Why it's iconic: A massive and dynamic group portrait of a city militia, famous for its dramatic lighting, movement, and psychological depth. 🖼 Fun fact: It’s one of the largest paintings in the museum and was recently restored live in front of the public during “Operation Night Watch.” 📍 Where: Center of the Gallery of Honour (you can’t miss it)

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Rijksmuseum Amsterdam - The Milkmaid

Johannes Vermeer – The Milkmaid (c. 1658–1660)

Why it's iconic: A quiet, intimate domestic scene showcasing Vermeer’s mastery of light and texture — from the rough bread to the soft stream of milk. 🖼 Fun fact: Though small in size, it’s one of Vermeer’s most famous and admired works. 📍 Where: Gallery of Honour, close to Rembrandt

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Portrait of a jovial young man wearing a wide-brimmed hat and a loose white shirt, holding a glass of wine mid-toast with a broad smile. The lively brushstrokes and vibrant expression capture the cheerful, carefree spirit typical of Frans Hals’s style.

Frans Hals – The Merry Drinker (c. 1628–1630)

Why it's iconic: A lively, expressive portrait capturing the joy and looseness of everyday 17th-century life — full of personality and energy. 🖼 Fun fact: Hals’s brushwork here is bold and loose, giving the painting a modern feel even centuries later. 📍 Where: Dutch Golden Age galleries

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