Things to do in Rijksmuseum
If you visit Amsterdam for the first time, the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam or simply Rijksmuseum is a must-see! It is the most important museum in the Netherlands, as well as the maximum emblem of Dutch identity. As a perfect abstract of art and history of the region, this national museum includes 80 galleries that house 8,000 art objects which tell a story from the distant 1200 until the 2000s. It's no wonder, the Rijksmuseum is among Amsterdam's top tourist destinations, so if you are going to visit it on your own or take a guided tour, you better take care of the tickets in advance.
Founded in The Hague in 1800, it was moved eight years later to Amsterdam at the behest of Louis Napoleon, nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte. The Rijksmuseum houses the largest collection of works from the 17th-century Dutch Golden Age, as well as a collection of Asian art. The current building that houses the vast collection was designed by Pierre Cuypers in Gothic and Renaissance style and was inaugurated in 1885. The museum has been renovated for 10 years and reopened in 2013, distinguishing as the most visited museum in the Netherlands.
Conveniently located in Museum Square, close to Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk and Concertgebouw, the Rijksmuseum will enchant you with its masterpieces that are crowned by the famous painting "The Night Watch" by Rembrandt. Do not miss also the paintings by Johannes Vermeer, Frans Hals and Jan Asselijn.
Our recommendations in Rijksmuseum
Amsterdam Combo: Rijksmuseum & 1-Hour Canal Cruise
See the extensive art collection of the Rijksmuseum and relax on a 1-hour cruise through the famous canals of Amsterdam.
I Amsterdam City Card for 24, 48, 72, 96 or 120 hours
Explore Amsterdam with the I Amsterdam City Card! Get free entry to museums, take a canal cruise, enjoy unlimited public transport and save money.
Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum private guided tour
Join a 5.5-hour private guided tour including two of Amsterdam's most popular museums, the Rijksmuseum Van Gogh Museum.
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Rijksmuseum and Rembrandt’s home semi-private combo tour
Visit the Rijksmuseum, followed by an afternoon focusing on the life of world-famous artist Rembrandt on a 5.5-hour small group tour with entrance tickets included.
en
Amsterdam Combo: Rijksmuseum & 1-Hour Canal Cruise
See the extensive art collection of the Rijksmuseum and relax on a 1-hour cruise through the famous canals of Amsterdam.
I Amsterdam City Card for 24, 48, 72, 96 or 120 hours
Explore Amsterdam with the I Amsterdam City Card! Get free entry to museums, take a canal cruise, enjoy unlimited public transport and save money.
Rijksmuseum and Rembrandt’s home semi-private combo tour
Visit the Rijksmuseum, followed by an afternoon focusing on the life of world-famous artist Rembrandt on a 5.5-hour small group tour with entrance tickets included.
en
Amsterdam guided mini city bike tour
Bike along the Amsterdam canals and see the city's highlights on this guided tour. Explore in true Dutch fashion and hear more about the city's history.
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Rijksmuseum guided tour: old masters and the Golden Age
Get a guided visit to the Rijksmuseum and visit a vast collection of artworks. Dive into the Golden Age and discover the secrets of famous artists' paintings.
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Get your Rijksmuseum entrance ticket and discover Rembrandt, Vermeer, Frans Hals paintings as well as the costume exhibitions.
Discover Amsterdam like a local on this 2-hour private bike tour. See the famous Anne Frank House and many more popular sites.
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Amsterdam canal cruise and Rijksmuseum ticket
Enjoy a 75-minute canal cruise of Amsterdam, along with entrance tickets to see the Rijksmuseum's internationally revered collection.
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Rijksmuseum and Amsterdam History semi-private tour
Explore Amsterdam's rich history on this 5.5-hour combo tour discovering the streets and sights of Amsterdam and enter the Rijksmuseum.
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Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum private guided tour
Join a 5.5-hour private guided tour including two of Amsterdam's most popular museums, the Rijksmuseum Van Gogh Museum.
en, fr, es
Amsterdam guided city bike tour
Bike along the Amsterdam canals on this 3-hour guided tour. Explore in true Dutch fashion and see the Anne Frank House and many more of the city's highlights.
en
Rijksmuseum Semi-Private Guided Tour with Reserved Entry
Book a semi-private tour of the Rijksmuseum. Join no more than 8 travelers to see the seemingly endless collection that curates Dutch history over the centuries.
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How to get there
Rijksmuseum
Amsterdam
Netherlands
Reviews Rijksmuseum
“The new Rijksmuseum is nationalistic to a ridicolous degree. It should not be a "look how interesting, cool , fine and great the Netherlands are" - museum. Therefore you have Feyenoord, spledid historical museums and your countless hallelujah touristic shops. When you mix ART with mere historical artefacts, your are talking pedagogically and creating a local history museum. ART is vulnerable and needs a higher level. Look at the magnificent Louvre in Paris or the National Gallery in Londen and please do not underestimate your public. Did I really need to come to the Rijks to learn that Willem van Oranje was the "hero of Waterloo"?”
“Booking was easy with informative follow up emails. The relatively recently reopened Rijksmuseum was easily entered with our online tickets...and an oasis of art, easily traversed within the spacious viewing areas. The interior design added to the richness of the overall experience. Thank you Musement!”
