Museum · Amsterdã, Holanda Setentrional
Rijksmuseum
The national museum of Holanda houses The Night Watch by Rembrandt, The Milkmaid by Vermeer and eight centuries of the country's art and history in an 1885 building on the Museumplein.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is the national museum of Holanda and the largest in the country. The brick building, with towers and an ornate façade, was designed by Pierre Cuypers and opened in 1885 at the tip of the Museumplein. Beneath it runs a tunnel used by cyclists and pedestrians, a portrait of Amsterdã.
The focus of the visit is the Gallery of Honour, dedicated to the Dutch Golden Age, the 17th century. There you can find The Night Watch, Rembrandt's large canvas from 1642, The Milkmaid and other works by Vermeer, and portraits by Frans Hals and Jan Steen. The Night Watch is displayed in its own room at the end of the gallery.
The collection goes beyond painting: there are 17th-century dollhouses, ship models, Delft porcelain, weapons, costumes and a historic library that can be viewed from a gallery. The rooms follow a chronological order, from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.
Around the building is the museum garden, with sculptures and flowerbeds, where entry is free. The Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk Museum are on the other side of the Museumplein, a few minutes' walk away.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About two and a half to four hours to see the Gallery of Honour and the main rooms.
Best time
At opening, early in the morning, the Gallery of Honour is quieter. Weekdays outside European holidays tend to be less busy. Buy the ticket online to avoid the ticket office queue.
How to get there
It is on the Museumplein, in the Oud-Zuid neighborhood. From the center, walk along the canal belt (about 25 minutes from the praça Dam) or take the tram, getting off at Rijksmuseum or Museumplein stops. Canal tour boats also stop near the entrance.
Tip
Go straight to the Gallery of Honour on arrival and leave the rest of the collection for later. Download the museum app, which has audio routes. Large backpacks go to the cloakroom.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Rijksmuseum
Where is The Night Watch?
In the Gallery of Honour, on the second floor, in a dedicated room at the end of the gallery devoted to the Dutch Golden Age.
Do you need to buy tickets in advance?
It's best to buy online to choose a time slot and avoid queues. Check the sale rules and opening hours before you go.
How long does the visit take?
Between two and a half and four hours for the main rooms. Those who want to see everything need a full day.
Can I visit the garden without a ticket?
Yes, the garden around the building has a free entrance and displays outdoor sculptures.
