Rijksmuseum travel guide

The Rijksmuseum, literally translating to 'State Museum', was first established in The Hague in 1800, but was moved to Amsterdam in 1808 under the orders of King Louis Bonaparte, Napoleon's brother.

The museum found its permanent home in 1885 in a stunning building designed by Dutch architect P.J.H. Cuypers. The Rijksmuseum is known for its extensive collection of Dutch art and history with a special focus on works from the Dutch Golden Age.

Over the years, the museum has undergone several renovations, the most significant one taking place from 2003 to 2013. This ten-year renovation modernized the museum while preserving the original Cuypers structure.

Today, the Rijksmuseum is one of the most visited museums in the Netherlands, attracting millions of visitors each year who come to admire masterpieces by artists such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh.

The Rijksmuseum's architecture is an artwork in itself, designed by Pierre Cuypers and combining Gothic and Renaissance styles. It is the only museum in the world that you can cycle through, thanks to its bike passage connecting Amsterdam's city centre to the southern districts. The museum's collection is vast, boasting over one million objects, with 8,000 on display at any given time. Its prized possession is Rembrandt's 'The Night Watch', displayed in the specially designed 'Gallery of Honour'. Another unique feature of Rijksmuseum is the 'Rijksstudio', an innovative online platform where visitors can explore and create their own collections from the museum's digital archive. Lastly, the museum is surrounded by a beautiful historical garden, featuring sculptures and an outdoor café. The Rijksmuseum truly offers a unique blend of art, history, and innovation.

Discover Rijksmuseum, a prime feature of Amsterdam, in the vibrant Amsterdam. Rijksmuseum is situated at Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam, Netherlands, just a short distance from Moco Museum and Van Gogh Museum, making it a perfect addition to your itinerary.

In the vicinity of Rijksmuseum, various dining and shopping options await, alongside a lively atmosphere that captures the essence of local life. This location serves as a perfect starting point or a key highlight during your exploration of Amsterdam, a city in the Netherlands rich with cultural and adventurous activities.

When planning your trip, timing is key. Discover the best time to visit Amsterdam to fully enjoy the seasonal charm of Rijksmuseum. Explore travel trips and ideas on this city from the comprehensive Amsterdam travel guide for an unforgettable adventure.

Rijksmuseum is conveniently accessible by various transportation options in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. If you're flying in, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is approximately 6.2 miles (10.1 km) away from the city center. From there, you can easily reach Rijksmuseum by taxi or shuttle.

For those already in Amsterdam, buses, taxis, and walking are viable options to reach Rijksmuseum, which is located 1 mile (1.5 km) from the city center. Its exact address is Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam, Netherlands.

With your transportation plans sorted, get ready for an unforgettable experience at Rijksmuseum!

The best time to explore Rijksmuseum is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is pleasant and the crowd levels are relatively low. These periods offer a comfortable museum experience, enabling tourists to truly appreciate the vast collection of art and history the museum houses. It is advisable to visit early in the day, around 9 AM, when it opens or late in the afternoon to avoid peak times. Also, keep an eye out for special events, such as the Museum Night in November, which provides a unique opportunity to explore the museum after hours. While the museum is open year-round, visiting off-peak season or timing your visit properly within the day can make a significant difference in your overall experience. Remember that holidays and weekends usually bring in more crowds. Plan your visit effectively to make the most of your Rijksmuseum exploration.

To truly enjoy your visit to Rijksmuseum, joining a guided tour of this renowned museum in Amsterdam is highly recommended. As one of the Netherlands's most iconic attractions, Rijksmuseum draws visitors from across the globe, often leading to long queues and limited availability.

Booking a tour in advance allows you to skip the lines and ensures a smooth, enjoyable experience. With the biggest selection of tours and tickets in Amsterdam, you’re sure to find an option that fits your schedule and preferences.

Find the best and most popular tours and tickets to Rijksmuseum starting at just 7.95 EUR below. Enjoy benefits like free cancellation and 24/7 customer support for added convenience.

If you're looking for an effortless way to explore Rijksmuseum, perfectly planned travel packages to Amsterdam make it easy and enjoyable, all while keeping costs manageable. With everything seamlessly arranged for your trip to Amsterdam, you can simply pack your bags and look forward to exploring Rijksmuseum.

Keep reading to discover the best options for experiencing this iconic museum in the Netherlands.

Upon arriving at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, you’ll find 3 reputable rental car companies conveniently situated near the city of Amsterdam.

Click 'See More' to unlock other affordable car rental options in Amsterdam.

Choosing the right accommodation near Rijksmuseum from the widest selection of hotels and places to stay in Amsterdam can truly make all the difference in your trip. Not only will you be within a comfortable distance from Rijksmuseum, but you’ll also enjoy the best rates available, backed by 24/7 customer service and glowing reviews.

To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve curated a handpicked list of top-rated hotels nearby.

Beyond Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam boasts plenty more landmarks that make every trip unforgettable. From museum to park, the top attractions in Amsterdam offer experiences you won’t want to miss.

One of the most notable attractions to visit while in Amsterdam is Van Gogh Museum, located at Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam, Netherlands. This well-known museum enhances your time in the city.

Whether you plan a short visit or take time to explore fully, Anne Frank House is worth seeing when you're in Amsterdam. It's a popular museum that’s perfect for rounding out your itinerary. You’ll find it at Westermarkt 20, 1016 GV Amsterdam, Netherlands.

For an unforgettable addition to your itinerary, a visit to Vondelpark completes any trip to Amsterdam. This park draws visitors with its unique appeal, making it an essential stop on your journey. Located at 1071 Amsterdam, Netherlands, its surroundings offer plenty of reasons to linger a little longer.

The city's top sights offer a wide variety of experiences to make your trip truly memorable. Check out the full list of top attractions in Amsterdam below to discover even more incredible places to explore.