Rijksmuseum

Overview

The Rijksmuseum, nestled in the heart of Amsterdam's Museum Square, stands as the national museum of the Netherlands, a grand repository dedicated to Dutch arts and history. It is a beacon of cultural heritage, inviting visitors to journey through eight centuries of Dutch creativity and significant historical moments. The museum houses an impressive collection of approximately one million objects, with around 8,000 masterpieces currently on display across its 80 galleries. As one of the most famous and visited museums in the world, the Rijksmuseum offers an unparalleled glimpse into the Dutch Golden Age, featuring iconic works by legendary artists such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Frans Hals. Its commanding presence on the Museumplein, surrounded by green gardens, makes it a pivotal point for anyone exploring Amsterdam's rich cultural landscape.

History & Cultural Background

The story of the Rijksmuseum began in 1798 when the Dutch government established the National Art Gallery in The Hague, inspired by the French model of national museums. Its purpose was to collect and present the nation's art and cultural heritage, fostering patriotism. In 1808, under the rule of King Louis Napoleon Bonaparte, the museum's collections were relocated to Amsterdam, the newly designated capital. They were first housed in the Royal Palace on Dam Square, where they joined significant city paintings, including Rembrandt's 'The Night Watch'. The museum was later renamed the 'Rijks Museum' after King Willem I ascended to the throne in 1813. The current iconic building, a magnificent blend of Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles, was designed by Pierre Cuypers and officially opened its doors in 1885. A massive ten-year renovation, costing €375 million, was completed in 2013, restoring the building to its intended glory and enhancing the visitor experience.

What Makes It Special

Beyond its unparalleled collection, the Rijksmuseum's architectural grandeur itself is a masterpiece. Designed by Pierre Cuypers, the building intricately weaves together Gothic and Renaissance elements, featuring soaring towers and ornate decorative details. A truly unique aspect of the museum is the public passageway that runs directly through its center, initially accommodating horse-drawn carriages and later motor vehicles, and now exclusively open to cyclists and pedestrians. Inside, the museum's Gallery of Honour showcases masterpieces of the Dutch Golden Age, including Rembrandt's colossal 'The Night Watch', Vermeer's serene 'The Milkmaid', and Frans Hals's 'The Merry Drinker'. The museum also boasts a significant collection of Asian art in its dedicated pavilion and an extensive array of historical artifacts, decorative arts, and prints spanning 800 years. Furthermore, it houses the Cuypers Library, the largest and oldest public art history research library in the Netherlands, a beautiful neo-Gothic space accessible to all.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

The Rijksmuseum holds many fascinating tales. It is famously built on more than 8,000 wooden piles driven deep into Amsterdam's swampy soil, a common construction method for large buildings in the city's terrain. 'The Threatened Swan' by Jan Asselijn, purchased for 100 guilders, was the museum's very first acquisition and remains a prominent piece. Interestingly, upon its 1885 opening, King William III reportedly disliked the building's design, finding it too reminiscent of a Catholic cathedral. The museum's vastness is remarkable; with one million objects in its collection, it would take a week to see everything if you were to cover the 1.5 kilometers of galleries on display. In 2021, the Rijksmuseum mounted a significant exhibition on the history of slavery in the Dutch colonial empire, also adding special labels to 77 permanent collection items to acknowledge their connections to this history.

Visitor Perspective

Visiting the Rijksmuseum is a captivating experience designed for ease and immersion. The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., including most public holidays. To ensure entry at a desired time, all visitors, including those eligible for free admission (such as children under 18), are required to book tickets and a start time online in advance. Once inside, visitors can explore the museum at their leisure until closing time. The Rijksmuseum is fully wheelchair accessible, with elevators, ramps, and adapted restrooms, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone. Located centrally on Museumplein, it is conveniently situated near other major attractions like the Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum, making it easy to integrate into a day of cultural exploration in Amsterdam. Payments within the museum, including at its shop and cafe, are cashless.