In this article, I present the Rijksmuseumthe most important museum in the Netherlands!
Here you'll find
- A presentation by Rijksmuseum
- What you can see at this national museum
- How to get there
- Practical information: prices, opening hours, reservations
- What you can see in the area
- And much more!
If you're looking for information about the Rijksmuseum, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Rijksmuseum: article summary
Rijksmuseum: presentation of the Netherlands' most important museum
If there are many museums in Amsterdam, the most famous of these is undoubtedly the Rijksmuseum. It is the largest national museum in the Netherlands, both in terms of visitors and the number of works of art on display.
It features Dutch painting, but also boasts a vast collection of sculptures, ceramics, furniture and objects brought back from Asia during the Golden Age. In addition, a vast library as well as a section dedicated to the country's history allow history buffs to fill up on knowledge.
The a must-have that you won't want to miss when you visit Amsterdam! Let me introduce you to its history and some of its major works.
History of the Rijksmuseum
Visit Rijksmuseumliterally the State Museum was built between 1876 and 1885under the direction of Pierre Cuypers, who also designed Amsterdam's Central Station. We recognize his touch, a blend of Gothic and style of the Renaissance.
The museum sits at the center of the Museumpleinor Museum Squaresouth of the city center. Its most famous neighbors are none other than the Van Gogh museum and the Stedelijk.
The Rijksmuseum is the successor to several of the country's museums, which over the years have housed the works of art amassed by the royal family. From The Hague, the collection was moved to the Amsterdam Royal Palace before construction of the Rijksmuseum began.
The building has undergone a number of changes over the years, including a 10-year closure. between 2003 and 2013 - which gave it its current appearance. Vast, impressive and insanely rich, it's a museum you can't afford to miss. a must-do when you visit the capital!
Facts and anecdotes about the Rijksmuseum
- His complete collection includes over a million pieces!
- On average, 8,000 pieces decorate the exhibits
- It welcomes more than 2 million visitors every year
- There are more than 80 rooms to visit
- Its sublime façade extends 135 metres long!
- The collection retraces 800 years of history of the country and its art
What can you see in the Rijksmuseum?
It's impossible to list all the marvels you'll see in the Rijksmuseum here. There are just too many!
However, the museum is divided into three major zones :
- Visit Fine Arts Department which includes the Paintings, Asian Art and Sculpture/Decorative Arts sections
- Visit cabinet national des estampeswith mainly engravings, drawings and photos
- The section on the history of the Netherlands
What are the major works in the Rijksmuseum?
Inside, you can admire pieces by some of the greatest Dutch masters, such as Rembrandt, Vermeeror Halsand works such as :
- La Ronde de nuit by Rembrandt (1642)
- The Clothmakers' Syndicate by Rembrandt (1662)
- The milkmaid by Vermeer (1658), which you'll know from the advert for the brand's namesake!
- The love letter by Vermeer (1669/1670)
- The Merry Drinker by Frans Hals (1628/1630)
- The Toilet by Jan Steen (1659/1660)
- The endangered Swan by Jan Asselijn (1650)
- And so many more to discover!
There is also a of modern artor an area dedicated to italian painting from the 13th to the 17th century and to Flemish artists of renown.
Take your time to stroll through this superb Rijksmuseum, but bear in mind that you will not be able to not see everything, unless you spend the whole day there!
What does a ticket to the Rijksmuseum include?
When you buy your ticket for the Rijksmuseum online, you can save time and avoid the sometimes impressive queue in front of the museum.
This ticket entitles you to :
- A ticket-free access so you don't have to queue
- A free tour of the permanent exhibition
- A changing room to deposit your unwanted belongings
In addition, you can opt (for 5 euros) for a multimedia guide in Frenchwith audio, video and images, to deepen your discovery.
Good to know the Rijksmuseum is included in the Amsterdam Pass. A good idea, if you also plan to visit the Van Gogh Museum and do the a cruise on the channels.
How do I get to the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam?
The Rijksmuseum is located at the following address: Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam
It's south of the city center, in the Zuid district, which you can easily reach via :
- Streetcar (lines 2, 5 and 12), getting off at the Rijksmuseum, Hobbemastraat or Concertgebouw
- Via the metroline 52, Zuid stop, then 10 minutes on foot
- By bus, routes 288 and 397
- By car, as several paid parking lots are available
Rijksmuseum: prices, opening hours and practical information
Here's everything you need to know about the Rijksmuseum before visiting.
Rates and booking
- Adult ticket (19+): 21 euros
- Free for 0-18 year olds
- Multimedia Guide option: 5 euros
Book online, to receive your tickets instantly on your mobile devices. Choose the date and time of your visit. And all you have to do is present them at the entrance, in the queue specially dedicated to queue-cutters!
Opening hours
The museum is open every day 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Don't go too late, as you can easily spend a few hours there.
Practical information
If you want to discover a good restaurant in Amsterdammuseum - the RIJKS - is home to a Michelin star. Enjoy Dutch specialties in all their finery.
What to see and do in the area?
The Rijksmuseum is at the heart of the museum district and there's no shortage of places to visit. Here are a few suggestions:
- Visit the Van Gogh Museum dedicated to the famous Dutch painter
- Discover the museum Stedelijkdedicated to contemporary and modern art
- Go to the Moco Museum to see, among others, some fifty works by Banksy
- Take a trip to the Diamond Museumto learn more about the history of this precious stone
What to do in Amsterdam in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
Whatever the length of your stay, I invite you to download my special Amsterdam guide.
It's free and in PDF format.
All you have to do is tell me below which e-mail address you'd like to receive it at.
EDIT: you can't enter your email?
Take the quiz at the top of this article and you'll be able to register your email address to receive the special Amsterdam guide!
Leave a Reply