For a small country, The Netherlands has punched far above its weight in the world of art. Rembrandt, Vermeer, Van Gogh, and the Bruegels are just some of the masters who’ve changed the face of painting. So, it goes without saying that the country’s national gallery, the Rijksmuseum, is packed with world-class art. It houses more than 8,000 artworks, spanning from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.
The Rijksmuseum was founded in The Hague in 1800 but moved to Amsterdam eight years later. It’s been housed in its current building on the Museumplein since 1885. Unusually, the museum’s art did not originate as a royal collection but has been built up by purchases and donations.
Its most famous work is undoubtedly Rembrandt’s The Nightwatch… which was originally called Militia Company of District II under the Command of Captain Frans Banninck Cocq. It got its popular name because it was so dark. In fact, it’s set in the daytime. Among its many secrets, is that Rembrandt hid a self-portrait of himself in the painting. It was recently restored in the museum, with visitors able to watch the restorers at work. And be prepared for other surprises about this larger-than-life masterpiece.
Things to know before your visit
You need to book a start time unless visiting as part of a guided tour
Entry is free for visitors under 18
The museum is accessible to visitors with reduced mobility
Photography is allowed, but flash and tripods are prohibited
Animals are not permitted, except for guide dogs
The Rijksmuseum has a café and a Michelin-starred restaurant, which is open Wednesday to Sunday for lunch and on Tuesday to Sunday for dinner
Use of the cloakroom is free
The museum is cashless – you can only pay by card in the dining areas, gift shop and so on
Opening hours
The Rijksmuseum is open from 09:00 to 17:00 every day of the year, including public holidays
The museum’s gardens are open only during summer, from 09:00 to 18:00
How to get there
By tram – lines 2 and 12 from Amsterdam Centraal Station stop at the Rijksmuseum
By bus – line 397 stops at Museumplein
By metro – Noord/Zuid (52) line at the Vijzelgracht or De Pijp stops
By car – Q-Park Byzantium parking garage is opposite the Rijksmuseum
On foot – the museum is centrally located in Museumplein and is a pleasant walk from Leidseplein and the city center
