A visit to the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam means discovering not only the most important museum in the Netherlands, but also one of the richest museums in Europe and its major works of art. In this article, you'll find all the practical information you need to organise your visit: what you absolutely must see, how much admission costs, when to go and how best to prepare for your visit.
What is the Rijksmuseum? Why visit it?
The Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands. In fact, its name translates as "State Museum". It is dedicated to the Dutch fine arts, and more generally to the history of the country. It is the most important museum in the Netherlands, both in terms of the number of visitors and the number of works of art, not to mention their quality. It is therefore one of the finest museums in the world, and will captivate even those who do not consider themselves to be great art lovers. The collections are immensely rich and paint a portrait of Dutch art from the twelfth to the twentieth century, with a focus on the great Dutch masters of the seventeenth century, a period sometimes referred to as the 'Dutch Golden Age' because of the economic, artistic and intellectual prosperity enjoyed by the region at the time. As well as paintings, the Rijksmuseum houses a wide range of collections, including sculptures, decorative arts, Delft porcelain, model ships, weapons and costumes. So even visitors with little interest in painting can find something they love, making the museum accessible to everyone.
Book my ticket for the Rijksmuseum
Another reason to visit Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum is the building itself. Monumental and spectacular, it was designed by the architect Pieter Cuypers, who also designed Amsterdam station. The building was extensively renovated and redesigned in the early 2000s. For all these reasons, the Rijksmuseum is a must-see in Amsterdam, as is the Anne Frank House.
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How to organise your visit? Must-sees not to be missed
To visit the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, you first need to understand that it is divided into several departments. Most of them cover a specific period or century, so you can navigate naturally through 800 years of Dutch history and art. To help you find your way around, you can download the museum's official application onto your mobile phone. It also provides valuable information about the works. You can also pick up a paper map of the museum from reception.
The most famous room in the museum is the Galerie d'Honneur, a large, long room housing masterpieces. But there are many other fascinating pieces throughout the museum, the most notable of which are :
- Rembrandt'sNight Watch, dating from 1642. It is the most popular painting in the museum and one of the most influential from the golden age of Dutch painting. It is also considered by many to be Rembrandt's most spectacular work. It depicts a militia of musketeers guarding Amsterdam. The work is exhibited in the Galerie d'Honneur.
- The Milkmaid by Johannes Vermeer, dating from 1658. This is one of Vermeer's most famous paintings, and has become part of popular culture in France, not least because it has been used for advertising purposes. It depicts a woman pouring milk into a jar in a tranquil atmosphere, with interesting use of colour and light.
- The Threatened Swan by Jan Asselijn, dating from 1650. The painting depicts a swan defending its nest and is in fact a political allegory.
- The Cuypers Library, which is not a work of art on display, but a museum piece. It is the largest and oldest art library in the Netherlands.
Book my ticket for the Rijksmuseum
Don't miss the temporary exhibitions either, which are often renewed and prove to be truly fascinating. They focus on specific themes or particular artists, often on loan from major international institutions. Some bring together works that are rarely accessible to the public. Tickets for these exhibitions are included in the general admission price at no extra charge.
What are the opening times and prices?
The prices are as follows:
- Adults: €25.
- Under 18s: free.
If you are planning a visit to Amsterdam, the I Amsterdam City Card package may be of interest. It includes admission to the museum and several other attractions in Amsterdam, which can lighten the overall budget for your stay.
As for opening times, you can visit the Amsterdam Rijksmuseum every day from 9am to 5pm, including public holidays.
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When should I visit the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam?
Our top tip is to visit before 11am, or after 3.30pm, when crowds are at their lowest. If possible, avoid visiting at weekends or during school holidays. The least busy period of the year is from autumn to winter.
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Where can I buy tickets?
The Rijksmuseum operates a time slot system to help manage visitor numbers. It is therefore essential to book a ticket online, here for example, in advance. The time slot only defines your arrival time. Once you've entered the site, you can stay as long as you like. Tickets can be changed and sometimes cancelled, but it is advisable to choose your visiting time carefully. Please note that tickets are not transferable.
Book my ticket for the Rijksmuseum
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How much time should I allow?
Most visitors need 3 to 4 hours to visit the Amsterdam Rijksmuseum. But you can easily stay for more than 5 hours if you take your time. There is a café and restaurant on site, so those who like to linger will not be pressed for time by hunger. To make the most of your time on site, you can use the museum app not only to avoid getting lost but also to follow one of the suggested itineraries.
Don't forget to take a moment to enjoy the gardens of the Rijksmuseum. Access is free, even without a ticket, and they are a great place to take a quiet break. In summer, contemporary sculptures are often installed here, providing an interesting contrast to the classical works seen inside.
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