Rijksmuseum Guide | museum-amsterdam.com

Home of the Dutch Masters

The Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands, located in the heart of Amsterdam's Museum Square. Its extensive collection showcases Dutch art and history, most famously works from the Dutch Golden Age.

"Choose only one master – Nature." — Rembrandt van Rijn

Founded in 1800 in The Hague and moved to Amsterdam in 1808, the museum's current grand building was designed by Pierre Cuypers and opened in 1885. It houses iconic works like Rembrandt's "The Night Watch," Vermeer's "The Milkmaid," and countless other treasures spanning paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and historical artifacts.

A visit to the Rijksmuseum offers an unparalleled journey through the artistic and cultural heritage of the Netherlands, providing context and insight into the nation's rich past.

Grand Gallery Hall of the Rijksmuseum (Placeholder Image)

Visitor Information

Everything you need to know to plan your visit to the Rijksmuseum

Opening Hours

Daily: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Open 365 days a year
Rijksmuseum Gardens & Café: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Note: The museum is busiest between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Consider visiting earlier or later.

Admission

Adults: €22.50
Youth (0-18): Free
Friends of the Rijksmuseum: Free
Museumkaart: Free
I Amsterdam City Card: Free

Important: Booking a start time online in advance is mandatory, even for free admission categories.

Getting There

Address: Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam
By Tram: Lines 2, 5, 12 (stop: Rijksmuseum)
By Bus: Lines 347, 357, 397 (stop: Rijksmuseum)
By Metro: Line 52 (stop: Vijzelgracht, 10 min walk)

Located prominently on Museum Square (Museumplein), easily accessible from all parts of the city.

Facilities

Multiple Cafés & Restaurant RIJKS® (Michelin star)
Extensive Museum Shop
Free Wi-Fi
Fully wheelchair accessible
Audio guides available (€5)
Free Cloakroom & Lockers
Photography without flash permitted

Highlights from the Collection

Discover masterpieces spanning 800 years of Dutch heritage

Gallery view of Dutch Masters (Placeholder Image)

Dutch Masters (Golden Age)

The heart of the Rijksmuseum collection features unparalleled works from the 17th-century Dutch Golden Age. Marvel at the technical brilliance and evocative storytelling of Rembrandt, Vermeer, Frans Hals, and Jan Steen.

Rembrandt Vermeer Frans Hals Jan Steen

The Night Watch

Rembrandt's most famous masterpiece, "The Night Watch" (1642), is a monumental group portrait renowned for its dramatic use of light and shadow (chiaroscuro), dynamic composition, and lifelike portrayal of the civic guardsmen.

Rembrandt Golden Age Masterpiece

The Milkmaid

Johannes Vermeer's intimate genre scene, "The Milkmaid" (c. 1660), captivates viewers with its serene atmosphere, masterful depiction of light, and meticulous attention to detail in rendering textures and everyday objects.

Vermeer Golden Age Genre Painting

Delftware Collection (Placeholder Image)

Applied Arts & History

Beyond paintings, explore exquisite collections of Delftware pottery, intricate dollhouses, ship models, historical artifacts, and furniture that provide a rich context for Dutch history and culture across the centuries.

Delftware Decorative Arts Dutch History

Exhibitions & Events

Explore current and upcoming special exhibitions at the Rijksmuseum

Rijksmuseum Special Exhibition (Placeholder Image 1)

Currently On View

Special Exhibition Title 1

Discover [brief description of a potential type of Rijksmuseum exhibition, e.g., works from a specific period, artist, or theme]. Check the official Rijksmuseum website for details.

Rijksmuseum Special Exhibition (Placeholder Image 2)

Upcoming

Future Exhibition Title

Look forward to [brief description of a potential upcoming exhibition]. Visit rijksmuseum.nl for the latest schedule and information.

Events at the Rijksmuseum

Join lectures, workshops, tours, and special events

Various Dates

Gallery Talks & Tours

Engage deeper with the collection through expert-led talks and thematic tours focusing on specific artists, periods, or techniques. Check the museum's agenda.

Various Locations | Check Website

Check Schedule

Workshops & Courses

Participate in creative workshops, drawing classes, or art history courses inspired by the Rijksmuseum's collection. Suitable for various skill levels.

Teekenschool (Drawing School) | Booking Required

Seasonal

Concerts & Performances

Experience music and performing arts within the stunning backdrop of the museum's architecture during special evening events or seasonal concerts.

Atrium / Auditorium | Check Website

Visitor Experiences

What others are saying about their visit to the Rijksmuseum

Absolutely breathtaking! Seeing 'The Night Watch' in person is unforgettable. The scale and detail are incredible. The museum layout is logical, and the building itself is stunning. A must-visit in Amsterdam.

David K.

New York, USA

Loved the Gallery of Honour leading up to the masterpieces. Vermeer's 'Milkmaid' is so serene. The audio guide provided great context. Allocate plenty of time; there's so much to see!

Sophia L.

Berlin, Germany

Beyond the famous paintings, the applied arts sections were fascinating – especially the Delftware and the ship models. The museum café is a nice spot to rest. Booking tickets online was essential.

Marco T.

Milan, Italy

Location & Directions

How to find the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam

Map showing location of Rijksmuseum (Placeholder Image)

How to Reach Us

Address Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam, Netherlands
Public Transportation Tram lines 2, 5, 12 (stop: Rijksmuseum)
Bus lines 347, 357, 397 (stop: Rijksmuseum)
From Amsterdam Central Station 15-20 minutes by tram (Lines 2 or 12)
From Schiphol Airport Bus 397 (Airport Express) directly to Museumplein (approx. 30 mins)
Nearby Attractions Van Gogh Museum (5-minute walk)
Stedelijk Museum (5-minute walk)
Vondelpark (adjacent)

Rijksmuseum