Rijksmuseum
5 minutes readIn Amsterdam, the Netherlands, you can find the Rijksmuseum, an important national museum. It began in 1800 and was relocated to where it is now in 1885. Inside, you’ll see a wide array of art pieces and historical items from all over the world. One of the highlights is the artwork from renowned Dutch artists like Rembrandt and Vermeer. The museum also hosts various educational events and showcases that aim to involve and motivate visitors from different backgrounds. It is one of the most popular museums in the country. It is a great destination for those wanting to delve into cultural and historical insights.
Tickets & tours
A selection of the best tours to experience the Rijksmuseum with our partner GetYourGuide. These tours offer the best experience for visitors from all around the world.
A short history
The Rijksmuseum is a well-known museum in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. It is a national museum that first opened in The Hague in 1800, but after eight years, it was relocated to Amsterdam. This museum focuses on arts, crafts, and history. It is famous for having a wide collection of art from the time of the Dutch Golden Age, along with a good number of pieces of Asian art.
Pierre Cuypers, an architect, designed the current Rijksmuseum building, which was opened to the public in 1885. The style of the building is a mix of Gothic and Renaissance elements. This museum can be found in Museum Square in Amsterdam. This area is also home to the Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk Museum.
Beginning in 2003, the museum building was closed for a large renovation project that lasted ten years. This was not an easy task, as the whole building had to be updated and repaired while still keeping Pierre Cuypers' original design. Despite the challenges, the project was completed, and the Rijksmuseum opened its doors again to the public on April 13, 2013.
Now, the Rijksmuseum displays over 8,000 objects. Within its walls, you can find works of famous artists including Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Jan Steen. One of the museum's highlights is "The Night Watch," a famous painting by Rembrandt. Each year, this museum attracts over 2 million visitors.
One reason to visit
The Night Watch
The Night Watch is a top reason to pay a visit to the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. This painting was done by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1642 and stands as one of the most well-known pieces of art worldwide. The Night Watch is a large piece showcasing a group of city guards. Among many wonderful pieces of art held at the Rijksmuseum, The Night Watch undoubtedly holds a special place and attracts people from all corners of the world. To understand the beauty and history of this painting, seeing it in person is essential - it is much different than when viewed on a screen or in a book. Its large size, fine details and its part in world art history make it a top choice for those interested in art.
Getting there
Start at the Amsterdam Central Station and head south towards Stationsplein, then turn right to stay on Stationsplein. Continue onto Damrak and take a slight left to stay on Damrak. Walk across Dam Square and continue onto Rokin. Then, turn right onto Muntplein and walk across the square onto Vijzelstraat. Walk straight until you cross Keizersgracht. From Keizersgracht turn right onto Weteringschans continue to walk straight, past the Paradiso, until you come to Museumstraat. The Rijksmuseum is at the end of this street. This walking route should take you approximately 35 minutes and is approximately 2.8 kilometers long. Make sure to stay safe and aware of traffic!
Starting from the Amsterdam Centraal Station, head southwest and follow the Prins Hendrikkade road and continue onto Nieuwe Teertuinen and then onto Marnixstraat. This takes you right onto Leidsegracht. In around 100 meters, turn left onto Prinsengracht. Just keep going straight for about 15 minutes until you reach Museumstraat on your right, where you will find the Rijksmuseum. The total distance is approximately 5 km and the journey would take approximately 20 minutes by bike depending on your speed. Follow traffic laws and make sure to lock your bike when you arrive.
To reach the Rijksmuseum located at Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam, make sure you choose the adequately public transportation in line with your starting point. If you are in the city center of Amsterdam, the best option is to take tram on line 2 or line 12, and get off at the Rijksmuseum stop. If you are near the Amsterdam Central Station, then catch the bus 347 or 357. Again, disembark at the Rijksmuseum stop. Bear in mind that most trams and buses in Amsterdam run from 6 a.m. to half past midnight, so plan accordingly and always check the public transportation schedules in advance. Be aware that due to the Covid-19 pandemic, wearing a face mask is mandatory on public transport in Amsterdam.
If you are coming from the A10 ring road, take the exit S106. Afterwards, turn right at the first intersection towards "Centrum", and keep following the signs for "Centrum" until you see the Rijksmuseum. There are multiple parking options nearby such as the Q-Park garages on Van Baerlestraat or Marnixstraat. Please note that as Amsterdam city center is a green transport zone, it has great restrictions for cars and high parking fees. Hence, using public transport to reach the museum is usually a more attractive option. You can take tram number 2, 5 or 12 to the Rijksmuseum stop. The museum’s address is Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam.