Everything You Need to Know About the Rijksmuseum, A Must-Visit Destination for Art Lovers

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The Rijksmuseum is the largest art museum in the Netherlands and is dedicated to Dutch arts and history. It is over 200 years old and currently displays over 8000 objects, with some of them dating back to the early 13th century. The museum features works by renowned artists such as Rembrandt, Johannes Vermeer, Franz Hals, Bartholomeus van der Helst, and many more. 

Rijksmuseum Quick Facts

Rijksmuseum Quick Facts
  • Also Known As: Rijsks Musem which translates to National Museum
  • Location: Museumstraat 1 Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • Date of Opening: 19 November 1798
  • Entrances:  1
  • Number of Visitors Per Year: Over 6 lakhs
  • Collection Size: 1 million objects, of which 8000 are on display
  • Famous Paintings: Portrait of a Young Couple by Frans Hals, The Night Watch Rembrandt, The Threatened Swan by Jan Asselijn, The Milkmaid by Johannes Vermeer, Self-Portrait by Van Gogh
  • Note: The Rijksmuseum features the largest art library in the Netherlands. The museum is built on about 800 wooden piles, like most other large buildings in Amsterdam.

What is Rijksmuseum?

The Rijksmuseum is one of the Netherlands’ most important art museums. It showcases objects spanning over 800 years of Dutch art and history. The museum also displays masterpieces by Frans Hals, Johannes Vermeer, and Rembrandt. There is also an Asian pavilion at the museum, which features art from Indonesia, India, Japan, Vietnam, and Thailand, dating back to 2000 BC.

Why is Rijksmuseum Famous?

  • Vast Collection of Dutch Art: The Rijksmuseum has several galleries dedicated to some of the most eminent artists in history, including Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Jan Steen, Johannes Vermeer, and De Hooch. They are spread across 4 floors. 
  • Interesting Artifacts: The Asian Pavilion is a must-see at the Rijksmuseum, featuring some incredible artworks such as the Two temple gardens statues, the bronze statue of Shiva Nataraja, the statue of Guanyin, and many more.
  • Historical Significance: The museum features the Cuypers Library, which is the largest and oldest library in the Netherlands. Its artworks are an important representation of Dutch art and culture. 
  • Beautiful Gardens: The Rijksmuseum gardens are studded with numerous sculptures and host sculpture exhibitions every year. You can walk in the gardens for free and enjoy the well-maintained hedges, rose gardens, and fountains.  
  • Educational Opportunities: Rijksmuseum also hosts several workshops, programs, guided tours, and lectures to acquaint visitors with the glorious history of Dutch art. These programs also contain interactive exhibits, where children can engage with history. 

Plan Your Visit to Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam

Where is the Rijksmuseum Located?
What are the Rijksmuseum Opening Hours?
Where is the Rijksmuseum Located?

Address: Museumstraat 1 1071 XX Amsterdam

Find on maps

The Rijksmuseum is located in Amsterdam’s museum quarter in the southern borough of the city, making it easily accessible by bus, train, and metro. 

Nearest Landmarks: Van Gogh Museum, Rembrandt Experience, Diamant Museum

What are the Rijksmuseum Opening Hours?

Museum Timings

  • Monday to Sunday: 9 AM to 5 PM

Shop Timings

  • Monday to Sunday: 9 AM to 6 PM

Duration of Visit: Ideally 4 to 5 hours to explore all their collections

Rijksmuseum Paintings Collection

The Rijksmuseum houses an extensive collection of Dutch art from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Visitors can see works by famous Dutch masters such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh. The artworks are spread across multiple galleries at the Rijksmuseum.

The Milkmaid by Vermeer at the Rijksmuseum

The Milkmaid

Renowned throughout history, this oil-on-canvas by Johannes Vermeer features a domestic kitchen maid who is making dairy products. Featuring intensely saturated blue and yellow tones, the painting shows the artist’s beautiful handling of natural light.

The Little Street by Vermeer at the Rijksmuseum

The Little Street

This painting by Johannes Vermeer depicts a quiet street during the yesteryears of the Dutch Golden Era. It features straight angles, showing house rooftops alternating with the sky. The walls, brickwork, and stones are painted with a thicker layer, making it appear almost palpable.  

Woman Reading a Letter by Vermeer at the Rijksmuseum

Woman Reading a Letter

In this painting, Johannes Vermeer depicts a woman in blue reading a letter. A map of the Cunty of West Friesland and Holand can be seen in the background, suggesting that the letter might have been written by a traveling husband. 

The Night Watch by Rembrandt at the Rijksmuseum

The Night Watch

One of the most famous paintings from the Dutch Golden Age, The Night Watch by Rembrandt is highly regarded due to its massive size, the depiction of the perception of motion, and the dramatic use of shadows and light.

The Jewish Bride by Rembrandt at the Rijksmuseum

The Jewish Bride

In this painting, Rembrandt depicts a man bestowing a necklace upon a woman. The painting was named in the 19th century, when an art collector identified the subject as a father bestowing a necklace upon his daughter at her wedding.

Syndics of the Drapers’ Guild by Rembrandt at the Rijksmuseum

Syndics of the Drapers’ Guild

The last great collective portrait by Rembrandt features six men elected to assess the quality of cloth sold by weavers to the drapers’ guild. The men are seen appraising a Persian-style cloth while referring to a swatch book.

Marriage Portrait of Isaac Massa and Beatrix van der Laen by Frans Hals at the Rijksmuseum

Marriage Portrait of Isaac Massa and Beatrix van der Laen

The painting by Frans Hals depicts a happy couple sitting against a tree, with a garden in the background. As the name suggests, the subjects of the painting are Isaac Massa, a Dutch grain trader and traveler, and his bride. 

The Merry Drinker by Frans Hals at the Rijksmuseum

The Merry Drinker

In this painting, Frans Hals depicts a man wearing a floppy hat, a leather jerkin, and a lace collar. He has a glass of white wine in his left hand and is seen wearing a neck chain, with a medallion. This oil on canvas is a genre piece. 

Meager Company by Frans Hals at the Rijksmuseum

Meager Company

The painting was commissioned in 1633 after Frans Hals’ previous militia portrait was well received. The painting depicts sergeants holding halberds, and officers holding spontoons. Hals did not fully finish the piece. It was completed by Pieter Codde.

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam

What is the Rijksmuseum?

The Rijksmuseum is one of the most popular art museums in the Netherlands, showcasing over 8000 objects dating from the Dutch Golden Era to the 20th century. 

Do I need tickets to enter the Rijksmuseum?

Yes, you need to purchase tickets to enter the Rijksmuseum. You can purchase Rijksmuseum tickets online to ensure a hassle-free experience. 

Can I buy Rijksmuseum tickets online?

Yes, you can purchase Rijksmuseum tickets online to enjoy skip-the-line access, the best discounts, and combo offers.

What are the opening hours of the Rijksmuseum?

The Rijksmuseum is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. The shop and gardens are open until 6 PM. It is open throughout the year. 

What is the best time to visit the Rijksmuseum?

The best time to visit the Rijksmuseum is early in the morning on a weekday. The temperatures are pleasant and there are comparatively lesser crowds. 

Where is the Rijksmuseum located?

The Rijksmuseum is located in the southern borough of Amsterdam. It is situated on Museumstraat 1 1071 XX Amsterdam.

Why is the Rijksmuseum famous?

The Rijksmuseum is famous for housing paintings by some of the most famous artists in history, such as Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Vermeer, De Hooch, and more.

How old is the Rijksmuseum?

The Rijksmuseum is nearly 225 years old, having been established in 1798 in The Hague. It was then moved to Amsterdam in 1808.

What can you see inside the Rijksmuseum?

You can find paintings and works of art from numerous eras inside the Rijksmuseum, including famous ones like the Night Watch, Woman Reading a Letter, and the Merry Family. They also organize guided tours, workshops, and lectures to educate the public about the Dutch Golden Era. They also have sections featuring artworks from different regions across the world. 

How many artworks are on display at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam?

There are over 8000 artworks on display at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. This includes sculptures, paintings, furniture, applied arts, and ship models and weapons. 

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