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 RijnFounded 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.
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 (price may change, check official website)
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Exhibitions & Events
Explore current and upcoming special exhibitions at the Rijksmuseum.
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.
Learn More
Future Exhibition Title
Look forward to [brief description of a potential upcoming exhibition]. Visit rijksmuseum.nl for the latest schedule and information.
Learn MoreEvents at the Rijksmuseum
Join lectures, workshops, tours, and special events.
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
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
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, ItalyLocation & Directions
How to find the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.
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)
Step into Dutch History
Book your mandatory start time online and prepare to be amazed by centuries of Dutch art and history at the iconic Rijksmuseum. Plan your visit today!
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