In short
The Rijksmuseum is the Netherlands’ national museum of art and history, beside Museumplein in Amsterdam. Its collection spans more than 800 years, from paintings and sculpture to decorative objects and everyday artefacts. Highlights include Rembrandt’s The Night Watch and Vermeer’s The Milkmaid.
Designed by Pierre Cuypers and opened in 1885, the building combines Gothic and Renaissance influences. The restoration completed in 2013 brought much of its original decoration back into view.
- Rembrandt’s The Night Watch
- Vermeer, Frans Hals and other Dutch masters
- The Gallery of Honour
- Cuypers Library and historic interiors
- Eight centuries of history
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Prices and opening times of the Rijksmuseum
The museum opens daily from 09:00 to 17:00, including public holidays. Reserve a starting time in advance and check the official calendar for temporary exhibitions.
Hours
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Daily opening hours 09:00–17:00
Open every day
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Weekends and public holidays 09:00–17:00
The same hours apply year-round
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Entry
Reserve a starting time in advance
Prices
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Admission offers From €27
Adult admission offers shown below; check the selected date and conditions
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Reduced Check eligibility
Current rates depend on ticket conditions
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Free entry €0
Visitors aged 18 and under; eligible pass and membership holders
What to see in the Rijksmuseum
Beyond the famous paintings, take time to notice the galleries, craftsmanship and architectural details.
The Night Watch Iconic masterpiece
Rembrandt’s 1642 painting turns a civic guard portrait into a scene full of movement, light and character. Find it in the Night Watch Gallery beyond the Gallery of Honour.
The Milkmaid Vermeer’s quiet masterpiece
Johannes Vermeer depicts a woman pouring milk in a modest interior. Light, texture and carefully observed everyday objects give this small painting an extraordinary presence.
Gallery of Honour
This grand central gallery displays important 17th-century paintings and leads towards The Night Watch. Its richly decorated architecture makes it one of the museum’s most memorable spaces.
Cuypers Library
Tiered bookshelves, ironwork and a soaring interior distinguish this historic research library. Visitors can appreciate it from designated viewing areas.
Delftware and decorative arts
Ceramics, furniture, silverwork and other objects reveal how people lived, traded and expressed status across different periods.
Quick summary of a Rijksmuseum visit
Plan your visit around a few highlights, then leave time for the wider collections.
Best moment
Near opening time for a quieter start
Crowd
Often busy around The Night Watch and the Gallery of Honour
Kid friendly
Yes; free admission for visitors aged 18 and under
Unmissable
The Night Watch, The Milkmaid and the Gallery of Honour
Suggested visit length
2–3 hours for the highlights; allow half a day for a deeper visit
What to expect
Extensive indoor galleries, multiple floors and plenty of walking
How to visit the Rijksmuseum
Allow around two to three hours for the best-known paintings and several other galleries. Visitors with a strong interest in art or history may prefer half a day. Choosing a few priorities before arriving makes the experience more enjoyable.
Compare a guided museum tour, general admission for an independent visit, or museum entry combined with a canal cruise. Check the selected visit date, guide language and inclusions; a cruise has its own boarding arrangements, separate from your museum time slot.
Rijksmuseum: Guided Tour
Rijksmuseum: General Admission Ticket
Rijksmuseum: Entry Ticket + Canal Cruise
Good to know
- A reserved starting time is required for entry, including for free-admission visitors.
- Individual galleries and artworks may occasionally be unavailable.
- Large bags cannot be carried into exhibition galleries; follow the cloakroom rules.
- Lifts and accessible routes are available.
Practical tips
- Begin with the Gallery of Honour and The Night Watch if these are your priorities.
- Use the official Rijksmuseum app for themed routes and artwork information.
- Explore galleries beyond the 17th-century paintings.
- Look for the Cuypers Library and the building’s decorative details.
How to reach the Rijksmuseum
The museum stands at the edge of Museumplein, south of Amsterdam’s canal belt, and is easy to reach from central neighbourhoods.
Use the Rijksmuseum tram stop. Check the current GVB journey planner for routes and service changes.
Check the current GVB journey planner for the most convenient nearby bus connection.
Around 10 minutes from Leidseplein and a short walk from the Van Gogh Museum. Walking time from the canal belt depends on your starting point.
Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam, Netherlands
Official Transport in Barcelona
History of the Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum’s origins date to 1800, when a national art collection opened in The Hague. In 1808, during the reign of Louis Napoleon, the collection moved to Amsterdam. It grew in importance but lacked a permanent building designed for its scale and ambitions.
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Architect Pierre Cuypers won the commission for a new museum celebrating Dutch art and history. Construction began in 1876 and the building opened in 1885. Gothic and Renaissance forms combine with elaborate decorations inspired by the country’s cultural past.
Later alterations obscured parts of the original design. The renovation completed in 2013 restored historic features, created modern visitor facilities and reorganised the route through the collection. Today, the museum explores Dutch and international connections through art, objects and architecture.
Curiosities about the Rijksmuseum
- The museum began in The Hague in 1800 and moved to Amsterdam in 1808.
- Pierre Cuypers designed the building, opened in 1885.
- A public passage runs through the building.
- Cuypers Library is a working research resource.
- The renovation completed in 2013 restored historic decorations.
Rijksmuseum tickets and guided tours
Find your stay near the Rijksmuseum
The Museum Quarter is a convenient base for Amsterdam’s museums and Vondelpark. Accommodation around Museumplein and the southern canal belt includes boutique hotels and larger properties with tram connections to other districts.
Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ
What is the Rijksmuseum famous for?
The Rijksmuseum is best known for Dutch Golden Age paintings, particularly Rembrandt’s The Night Watch and Vermeer’s The Milkmaid. Its architecture, historic interiors and wider collections are also major attractions.
How long should I spend at the Rijksmuseum?
Two to three hours is a reasonable amount of time for the main highlights. Allow half a day or more to explore several collections in depth.
Is the Rijksmuseum wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The museum has accessible routes and lifts. Consult the official accessibility information for specific needs.
Is the Rijksmuseum the same as the Van Gogh Museum?
No. They are separate museums near Museumplein. The Rijksmuseum covers Dutch art and history, while the Van Gogh Museum focuses on Vincent van Gogh and related artists.
Can you see The Night Watch at the Rijksmuseum?
Yes. The Night Watch is one of the museum’s signature works. Check current visitor information for conservation-related or temporary viewing changes.
Is the Rijksmuseum suitable for children?
Yes. Visitors aged 18 and under receive free admission. The museum offers resources and activities for families. A reserved starting time is still required.
Can you take photos inside the Rijksmuseum?
Photography for personal use is generally permitted. Follow gallery restrictions and avoid prohibited equipment or disturbing other visitors.
Do you need to reserve a time to visit the Rijksmuseum?
Yes. A reserved starting time is required, including for visitors eligible for free entry. Book ahead during busy periods.
