Focus on the highlights. Head straight to the Gallery of Honour to see The Night Watch, Vermeer’s The Milkmaid, and other Dutch Golden Age masterpieces. Spend the remaining time exploring nearby 17th-century galleries, then take a short walk through the Grand Atrium before leaving.
Opening hours at the Rijksmuseum
Today
Open 09:00–17:00
Rijksmuseum
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The Rijksmuseum is open every day, including public holidays, from 9am to 5pm.
Jan 1 TO Dec 31 Timings Days (Jan 1 TO Dec 31) | TIMINGS |
|---|---|
| Monday | 09:00–17:00 |
| Tuesday | 09:00–17:00 |
| Wednesday | 09:00–17:00 |
| Thursday | 09:00–17:00 |
| Friday (Today) | 09:00–17:00 |
| Saturday | 09:00–17:00 |
| Sunday | 09:00–17:00 |
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- Regular opening hours: The Rijksmuseum is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm, including public holidays.
- Last admission: 4:30 pm.
- Shop and café: Open from 9 am to 6 pm. Between 5 pm and 6 pm, you can visit without a museum ticket.
- Gardens: Open 9 am to 6 pm during the summer season only.
- RIJKS restaurant: Open for lunch Wednesday to Sunday and dinner Tuesday to Sunday.
Best time to visit the Rijksmuseum
Weekday vs Weekend
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- Weekday: On weekdays (Monday–Friday), the Rijksmuseum is generally less crowded than on weekends. Visit right when it opens from 9 am to 11 am or later in the afternoon after about 3 pm for a calmer experience. Midday (around 11 am–3 pm) tends to attract more visitors, including tour groups.
- Weekend: Weekends (Saturday & Sunday) are usually busiest of all, with larger crowds from opening until mid‑afternoon, particularly between 11 am and 3 pm. If you must visit on the weekend, aim for the earliest timed slots (around 9 am) or the late afternoon to avoid peak visitor density.
Peak season vs low season
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- Peak Season (April - September): The best time to visit the Rijksmuseum is between April to September. This is when the museum also hosts several exhibitions like the Vermeer collection, which are a must-visit for anyone interested in Dutch art history.
- Low Season (November - February): If you want to avoid the crowds, you can also visit the Rijksmuseum during the winter months and explore the museum at your own pace.
How long should I spend at the Rijksmuseum?

If you have 1–2 hours

If you have 3–4 hours



