The Rijksmuseum, located in the heart of Amsterdam, is the most famous museum in the Netherlands, housing an unparalleled collection of Dutch Golden Age masterpieces, historical artifacts, and decorative arts. With its grand Neo-Gothic architecture, impressive galleries, and world-renowned paintings, the Rijksmuseum is a must-visit for history and art lovers alike.
This article explores the history, architectural design, and key collections of the Rijksmuseum, providing insights into why it remains one of the most significant cultural institutions in the world.
History of the Rijksmuseum
Origins: The National Art Collection (1798-1800s)
The origins of the Rijksmuseum date back to 1798, when the Dutch government established a national art collection in The Hague. Inspired by the Louvre Museum in Paris, this collection was meant to preserve and celebrate Dutch heritage.
In 1808, King Louis Bonaparte, Napoleon’s brother and ruler of the Netherlands, ordered the museum’s relocation to Amsterdam, making it the centerpiece of Dutch culture. Initially, the museum was housed in the Royal Palace on Dam Square, before moving to the Trippenhuis, a grand 17th-century mansion.
The Construction of the Rijksmuseum (1885)
By the late 19th century, the Dutch government decided to create a new, purpose-built museum to house its growing collection. Architect Pierre Cuypers was commissioned to design the building, which was completed in 1885.
Cuypers' design combined Gothic and Renaissance elements, creating a majestic structure with high ceilings, stained-glass windows, and intricate brickwork. The Rijksmuseum's grand entrance and expansive galleries established it as the nation’s premier art institution.
20th-21st Century: Expansion and Restoration
Over the years, the Rijksmuseum underwent several renovations and expansions, including:
✔ 1950s-1970s: Addition of new exhibition spaces and restoration of old paintings
✔ 2003-2013: A major 10-year renovation, modernizing the museum while preserving its historic features
✔ 2013: Official reopening of the museum, featuring a redesigned entrance hall and state-of-the-art lighting
Today, the Rijksmuseum is one of the most visited museums in the world, attracting over 2.5 million visitors annually.
Architectural Marvel: The Grand Rijksmuseum Building
The Rijksmuseum’s building is as impressive as its collections. Designed by Pierre Cuypers, it is a masterpiece of Neo-Gothic and Renaissance Revival architecture.
Key Architectural Features:
✔ The Grand Entrance Hall: An awe-inspiring vaulted hall with frescoes and stained glass
✔ The Gallery of Honor: A stunning corridor leading to the museum’s most famous paintings
✔ The Great Hall: Featuring intricate ceiling paintings and monumental decor
✔ The Library: One of the most beautiful historical libraries in the world, filled with rare books on art and history
Masterpieces of the Rijksmuseum: Must-See Artworks
The Rijksmuseum houses over 1 million objects, with 8,000 on display at any given time. It is best known for its collection of Dutch Golden Age paintings, featuring works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Frans Hals, and Jan Steen.
1. "The Night Watch" – Rembrandt (1642)
One of the most famous paintings in the world, "The Night Watch" is a massive, dynamic portrait of a militia group, showcasing Rembrandt’s mastery of light, movement, and realism.
2. "The Milkmaid" – Johannes Vermeer (1657-1658)
This iconic painting captures a quiet domestic moment, depicting a woman pouring milk with exquisite detail, texture, and natural light.
3. "The Threatened Swan" – Jan Asselijn (1650s)
A powerful allegorical painting symbolizing Dutch resistance against invaders, featuring a majestic swan defending its nest.
4. "Self-Portrait" – Vincent van Gogh (1887)
A striking self-portrait showcasing Van Gogh’s expressive brushwork and emotional intensity.
5. "The Merry Family" – Jan Steen (1668)
A humorous and lively Dutch Golden Age genre painting, depicting a chaotic family gathering.
6. "The Love Letter" – Johannes Vermeer (1669-1670)
A mesmerizing interior scene featuring a woman receiving a love letter, painted with Vermeer’s signature soft lighting.
Beyond Paintings: Other Treasures of the Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum’s collection extends beyond paintings to include historical artifacts, sculptures, and decorative arts.
1. The 17th-Century Dollhouses
Intricately detailed miniature houses, showcasing wealthy Dutch households and interiors from the Golden Age.
2. The Great Library (Rijksmuseum Research Library)
One of the oldest and largest art history libraries in the world, containing rare books, manuscripts, and documents.
3. Asian Art Collection
A fascinating collection of Chinese porcelain, Japanese samurai armor, and Indonesian artifacts, reflecting the Netherlands’ colonial past.
4. The Delftware Collection
Beautiful blue-and-white ceramics, famous for their Dutch craftsmanship and intricate designs.
5. The Cuyperspassage
An underground tunnel for cyclists, featuring a spectacular tiled mural depicting Dutch maritime history.
How to Visit the Rijksmuseum
📍 Location: Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam, Netherlands
⏰ Opening Hours:
-
Monday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🎟️ Ticket Prices:
-
Adults: €22.50
-
Children (under 18): Free
-
Museumkaart holders: Free
🚆 How to Get There:
-
By Tram: Lines 2, 5, or 12 to Rijksmuseum
-
By Metro: Take Metro 52 to Vijzelgracht Station, then walk 5 minutes
Why Visit the Rijksmuseum?
✅ Home to world-famous Dutch Golden Age masterpieces
✅ Features Rembrandt’s "The Night Watch," Vermeer’s "The Milkmaid," and Van Gogh’s self-portraits
✅ Architectural masterpiece with stunning interiors and a historic library
✅ Houses diverse collections, from Asian art to Delftware and antique weaponry
✅ Located in the heart of Museumplein, near the Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum
The Rijksmuseum is a must-visit destination for art lovers, history enthusiasts, and travelers exploring Amsterdam. With its unparalleled collection, breathtaking architecture, and rich cultural significance, it stands as one of the greatest museums in the world.
The Israel Museum (Jerusalem)
Complete List of Museums in Israel
Complete List of Museums in China
Complete List of Museums in Sweden
Video tour of the Sistine chapel
Video tour of the Uffizi Gallery
Video tour of the Louver
Video tour of the Metropolitan museum
Sistine Chapel, Vatican - address and location
Something on the Vatican Museums
St. Paul Basilica, Vatican
Titanic Museum in USA, Pigeon Forge
American Museum of Natural History, USA, NY
Brooklyn Museum, NY, USA
The Jewish Museum in New York, USA
The Holocaust Memorial museum in Washington, USA
Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, USA
Museum of russian art, New Jersey, USA
Mutter Museum of Medical History, Philadelphia, USA
National Gallery of Art, Washington, USA
Water Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia
Best dinosaur museum in Moscow, Russia
Bread Museum in Izmailovo, Russia
Feodosia Money Museum, Ukraine
A. V. Bleschunov museum of Private Collections, Odessa
Cathedral Svyatogorsk Monastery Museum
Fire Fighting Museum in Kiev
Kerch Historical and Archaeological Museum, Ukraine
Lviv Art Gallery, Ukraine
Lviv Museum of Brewing, Ukraine
Reina Sofia art center, Spain, Madrid
Prado Museum: description, how to find it in Madrid, the location on the map
Art Museum of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
Thyssen-Bornemisza museum, Spain, Madrid
Museum Spanish Village, Barcelona, Spain
Pablo Picasso Museum in Malaga, Spain
Museums in Saint Petersburg
Museums in Moscow
Cathedral of the Annunciation, Moscow, Russia
Cathedral of the Archangel, Moscow, Russia
Cathedral of the Assumption, Moscow, Russia
Сatherine’s Palace, Pushkin, Russia
Church of the Deposition of the Robe, Moscow, Russia
City Sculpture Museum in St Petersburg, Russia
Kunstkammer, St. Petersburg (the anthropology and ethnography museum) - first Russian museum
The Literary Museum in Moscow, Russia
Monino Air Force Museum, Russia
The Armoury Chamber in Moscow, Russia
Museum of Applied Art and Everyday Life of XVII century Russia
Moscow Kremlin – Museum, Russia
Museum of Printing in Russia, Saint Petersburg
Polytechnic Museum in Moscow, Russia
Pushkin fine arts museum, Moscow, Russia
Railway Museum, St. Petersburg, Russia
Repin museum - Penates, Russia, Saint Petersburg
Russian Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia
The State Hermitage Museum, Russia, Saint Petersburg
History of the State Tretyakov Gallery and its location on the map
Painter Ivan Aivazovsky biography
What can be seen in the house of Caesar
Ancient Alexandria, Egypt
Which collections assembled by Cardinal Richelieu
What was the Museion, Egypt
Academy Gallery, Venice, Italy
Axel Munthe house, Venice, Italy
Basilica of Santa Croce, Florence, Italy
Correr Museum Venice Italy
Ferrari museum in Italy, Maranello
Gallery Brera, Milan, Italy
Italian Museum of Modern Art, Rivoli, Italy
Museum furniture in Italy, Valle d’Aosta
Museum of 18th century Venice, Italy
Museum of Capodimonte, Naples, Italy
Museum Poldi Pezzoli, Italy, Milan
National archaeological museum of Naples, Italy
National Museum of Bargello, Florence, Italy
Boijmans - Van Beuningen Museum, Rotterdam
Frans Hals Museum, Haarlem, Holland
Mauritshuis museum, Gaaga, Holland
Municipal Museum Amsterdam, Holland
Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, Holland
The Rembrandt House Museum in Amsterdam, Holland
Best Munich Museums & Galleries: Art, History & Culture Guide
Berlin Portrait Gallery
Bavarian National Museum, Munich, Germany
BMW Museum in Munich, Germany
German museum, Munich, Germany
Mercedes Benz Museum, Stuttgart, Germany
Porsche Museum in Stuttgart, Germany - location on the map
Museum Brandhorst in Munich, Germany
Museum newspapers, Aachen - history of the museum and its description
Porcelain Museum, Munich, Germany
Toy Museum in Germany, Munich
Dresden gallery (Old Masters Pictures), Germany, address and video
Bode Museum in Berlin
Wine Museum in Paris, France
What is considered the pearl of the Louvre exhibit?
What did Napoleon do for the Louvre?
Rouen Museum of Fine Arts, France
Puppet Museum in Paris, France