The Rijksmuseum has re-opened after being closed for 10 years for a remodel! Come see the bright beautiful space and admire the world famous artworks.

Rijksmuseum Amsterdam • National Museum of the Netherlands

The stately building, originally opened in 1885 and designed by the same fellow who conceived of Amsterdam Central Station, is on the UNESCO heritage list. The refurbishment freshened up the already-impressive original structure and added a huge new bright entrance hall with a glass ceiling. The building itself is a work of art, follow the signage for the Cuypers Tour to learn more about the building and the architect.

And when you are in the museum, don’t miss seeing the library, it is probably my favorite part besides the gardens.

Did you know that the Rijksmuseum is the only museum in the world that you can cycle through? The passage is the tunnel that goes beneath the museum and you can view the atrium entrance through big glass windows. During renovations it was planned to close the tunnel to through traffic but the locals protested and the bicycle tunnel was preserved. It is probably the most beautiful bicycle underpass on earth. Take a ride through it!

The museum owns more than a million works of art, many of which are by Dutch 17th century masters. Works like Vermeer’s The Milkmaid, Rembrandt’s Night Watch, and Van Gogh’s self portrait are some of the more famous paintings. The museum also has a vast array of objects and art works from other periods that shed light on 800 years of Dutch history.

The new layout of the museum presents the visitor with the story of art from the Middle Ages to the 20th Century.

Helpful hints for the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam:

• Lines for the Rijksmuseum can be long, especially in the summer months. To avoid some of the queue, buy your ticket online or get an iAmsterdam pass or  Museumcard for locals
• Before you go, download the Rijksmuseum app (available for Apple and Android) for self-guided tours
• Combine a visit to the museum with a canal cruise for an immersion in art-history
• Take a walking Rembrandt tour through the city and see where the artist painted and lived, then view his famous paintings in the museum
• You can book a private guided tour through the Rijksmuseum with an expert
• In the wintertime you can combine your visit to the Rijksmuseum with ice skating at Museumplein

When you visit the Rijksmuseum, don’t miss the surrounding gardens. You can view the building’s exterior details, as well as changing sculpture displays in the garden by artists like Calder and Moore for FREE. 🙂 I especially love the old greenhouse and the sandstone carvings that used to decorate the entrance to the city at what is now Nieuwmarkt. In the spring the gardens are colorful with blooming flowers. It’s a wonderful place to relax and there is a small cafe where you can get a drink next to the fountains.

Eat & Drink near Rijksmuseum

Feeling hungry or thirsty when visiting the Rijksmuseum? Visit the cafe in the museum, espresso bars in the gardens or the upscale Rijks restaurant which also has a terrace in the garden. For more tips be sure to check out our guide to places to eat and drink near Museumplein.

Rijksmuseum
Museumstraat 1, Amsterdam

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Helpful hint: If you plan to visit more than three museums within the year, we recommend the Museumkaart for locals. The price of €59 is worth it as entrance to each museum is around €15-20 for adults. If you are visiting Amsterdam take a look at the iAmsterdam card which gives you free transport around the city as well as free entry to many museums and attractions in Amsterdam and Haarlem. Check here for more information and to purchase the iAmsterdam card online. Another option is the Holland Pass which grants free access to several museums and attractions, as well as discounts to others. Check here for more information on the Holland Pass.

HAVE YOU VISITED ALL OF THE TOP 10 AMSTERDAM MUSEUMS ALREADY?

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