What you should see at the Rijksmuseum

To make your choice easier and help you plan a pleasant visit, here are some of the works from the Rijksmuseum not to be missed.

Works from the Rijksmuseum: article summary

Works from the Rijksmuseum: the Great Hall

This is probably one of the most beautiful galleries and something not to be missed at Rijksmuseum. Its walls are decorated with large murals celebrating Dutch history and art. One of them is covered with large stained glass windows. representing famous artists, most of them Dutch.

From here, you can enter the Galerie d'Honneur, featuring a collection of Dutch paintings. of the Golden Age, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer.

Still life

Seventeenth-century Dutch still lifes are excellent paintings for learning about daily life in Amsterdam during the Golden Age. You'll see some very typical Dutch food, such as cheese or pie.

But you'll also notice some very luxurious foods like oysters. With many hidden symbols and details, these are some of the most interesting paintings in the Rijksmuseum.

Works from the Rijksmuseum: Vermeer paintings

Johannes Vermeer is one of the most famous Dutch painters, and you can see some of his most famous paintings on display at the Rijksmuseum. "The Milkmaid" is a fine example of the way Vermeer whose light he used in his paintings.

But "Woman in Blue Reading a Letter" will show you how interested he was in painting a shadow.

The endangered swan

A famous painting by Jan Asselijn is one of the most captivating in the Rijksmuseum. A large painting of a swan threatened by a dog who is full of hidden political symbolism.

Works from the Rijksmuseum: paintings by Rembrandt

The Rijksmuseum is also home to some of Rembrandt van Rijn's most famous paintings. The large wedding portraits of Maerten Soolmans and Oopjen Coppit, "The Syndics" and "The Jewish Bride" are just two examples. a few not to be missed.

La Ronde de Nuit

The Rijksmuseum's most famous painting is undoubtedly Rembrandt's "Night Watch". His masterpiece, which he worked on for three years, is full of portraits of famous people, symbolism and a novel use of light.

When you're in front the "Ronde de NuitLook at the floor beneath the painting. You may be surprised to see a small door. It's the only painting in the world with a private emergency exit.

Works from the Rijksmuseum: Rijksmuseum library

"Night Watch" is the last painting you'll see in the Galerie d'honneur. After this, turn right and continue walking to the end of the long gallery. Here you'll find another exciting place: the largest art history library in the Netherlands.

Its beautiful interior seems to be taken from some of Tolkien's novels. It's open to the public and people often read there, so keep quiet when you're there.

Doll's houses

Once out of the library, continue strolling through the galleries filled with paintings and furniture from the Dutch Golden Age. Until you reach the room dedicated to some of the most interesting furniture of the 17th century: dolls' houses.

They decorated the living rooms of many of the canal houses you'll see along Amsterdam's canals. Beautifully crafted, they're also a great way to see the typical layout of some of these canal houses.

Works from the Rijksmuseum: Delft blue

In the next gallery, some of the most famous Dutch products of the 17th century can be seen: the Delft blue porcelain. Inspired by China, the Dutch quickly launched their own porcelain production.

Colored in white and blue, you'll see all kinds of shapes. But the most interesting are probably the flower pyramids.

Other Rijksmuseum collections

If you still have some energy left after seeing these Rijksmuseum works on the second floor, you can explore some of its other collections.

Works from the Rijksmuseum: special collections on the first floor

You're sure to find many interesting exhibits in the Rijksmuseum's special collections on the first floor. From wooden ship models and musical instruments to jewelry and glass, you'll be able to see everything the Rijksmuseum has to offer. spend hours in this part of the museum.

19th-century Dutch art on the second floor

Another not-to-be-missed part of the Rijksmuseum is a collection of 19th-century art. Here you'll find works by the Dutch Impressionists and a small selection of Van Gogh's paintings.

The Rijksmuseum has a lot to offer. Spend a day there, and you'll be able to appreciate and enjoy them all.

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