About this activity
Editor's Note
Look, I’ve spent more years than I care to admit tracking RevPAR and lead times in this industry, and honestly? Most "must-see" attractions are just high-occupancy traps designed to move tourists through a turnstile. But the Rijksmuseum is one of those rare exceptions where the hype actually matches the inventory. While other galleries feel like they're just shuffling dusty frames, Amsterdam’s crown jewel manages to make 800 years of history feel... well, urgent. It's funny how we obsess over the next "disruptive" digital art trend while Van Gogh was literally offering to trade a decade of his life just to stare at a single Rembrandt for two weeks. If a guy who painted Starry Night is willing to go on a bread-and-water diet just to catch the lighting on a canvas, you can probably spare an afternoon. It’s a massive operation, sure, but it's one of the few places left where the "global context" isn't just a marketing buzzword.
About the Tour
The Rijksmuseum isn’t just a museum; it’s a time capsule that vividly retells the story of the Netherlands from the Middle Ages to the present day. Housing an internationally revered collection, the gallery allows you to stand face-to-face with the masterpieces that defined the Dutch Golden Age.
The Masterpieces The undisputed heart of the museum is Rembrandt’s ‘The Night Watch’. Currently the subject of the largest research and restoration project in its history, visitors have the unique opportunity to witness this meticulous work happening live. You can even support the preservation of this icon through a donation as you watch the experts at work.
Beyond Rembrandt, you’ll find:
- Frans Hals & Johannes Vermeer: Capturing the light and life of the 17th century.
- The Jewish Bride: The very painting that reduced Vincent van Gogh to tears and inspired his famous letter about sacrificing ten years of his life just to study its texture.
- Vincent van Gogh: See the evolution of Dutch art through his own early influences.
More Than Just Canvas While the paintings are the primary "leads" for visitors, the Rijksmuseum’s expansive collection covers a staggering breadth of human creativity:
- Delftware & Sculptures: Exquisite blue-and-white pottery and intricate carvings.
- Maritime History: Artifacts that tell the tale of a tiny nation that once ruled the high seas.
- Modern Touches: The collection isn't frozen in the past. You can view 20th-century icons, such as the 1965 Mondrian-inspired dress by Yves Saint Laurent, proving that Dutch influence flows directly into modern fashion.
Whether you are there for the archaeological artifacts, the Asian art, or the stunning Great Hall, the Rijksmuseum offers a deep dive into 800 years of culture, all housed within one of the most beautiful architectural landmarks in Amsterdam.
Highlights
- Discover 800 years of Dutch art and history through 8,000 objects
- Admire world-famous masterpieces in the Gallery of Honour
- See ‘The Night Watch’ by Rembrandt and be amazed by its attention to detail
- Learn more about Dutch history in the national museum
Know before you go
- For group bookings over 20 people, please contact GetYourGuide
- Opening hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, every day of the year. The Rijksmuseum’s ticket desk closes at 4:30 PM
- Your ticket allows you to enter the museum up to 15 minutes after the time mentioned on the ticket. You can stay as long as you wish inside (until closing)
- Taking photographs or video recordings is allowed, except with flash or a selfie stick
- The Rijksmuseum is accessible to visitors with limited mobility and those accompanying them
- People who are unable to independently navigate through the museum may bring one companion with them for free. You can pick up an entrance ticket for a companion at cash register 1