Tessa and I (Jesper) are big fans of the Rijksmuseum. In June 2023, we visited it because at that time, the Standard-Bearer was new at the museum in Amsterdam. The Rijksmuseum is a must-visit during your city trip to Amsterdam. Inside the museum, you’ll find a wealth of art spanning through the years. Hopefully, you’ll find our experience at the Rijksmuseum helpful. Enjoy reading!
Visit the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam
The Rijksmuseum is over 44,000 square meters and has around 8,000 objects. It takes approximately 4 to 5 hours to thoroughly view everything. The art museum in Amsterdam was founded in 1798 and began in The Hague before moving to Amsterdam. Famous names such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh can be found in the museum. The museum showcases everything from the past 800 years: from 1200 to the present day. The art museum is located in the heart of Amsterdam, close to the Van Gogh Museum, the Stedelijk Museum, and the Concertgebouw.
For €21, you gain access to the spectacular world of the past and the permanent collection. Bringing the kids along? Children under 18 get free entry, perfect for a family outing! You can also get an Amsterdam City Pass for €65, which provides access to many top attractions in multiple cities, a free canal cruise, and much more!
Not sure where to begin? The art museum offers various guided tours so you don’t have to figure it out on your own. There are many unique combinations available for different museums that you can combine with your day at the Rijksmuseum.
New! The standard-bearer of Rembrandt
The Standard-Bearer is considered a pivotal piece in Rembrandt’s work. He paints it at a time when he is already a sought-after portrait painter in Amsterdam, and he likely hoped to embark on a new path with this “calling card.” Through The Standard-Bearer, he showcases his ambitions and virtuosity.
The loose, even nonchalant brushstrokes, intentional scratches in the paint, and his use of light to create a three-dimensional effect all reveal Rembrandt’s unique and independent style. He is venturing onto a new path at this moment. The Standard-Bearer serves as a precursor to The Night Watch (six years later), making it even more exceptional that they can now be seen together in the Hall of Honor.
Collections of The Rijksmuseum at this moment
1100 – 1600: Medieval Splendor and Religious Masterpieces
Delve into medieval art with works like “Geertigen tot Sint jans” and the refined works of Fra Angelico. Explore the vibrant militia paintings, the masterful paintings of Jacobus Cornelis van Oostsanen, and the art of Jan van Scorel and Joachim Beuckelaer.
1600 – 1700: The Glorious Golden Age
Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Golden Age with masterpieces such as Rembrandt van Rijn’s “The Night Watch” and Johannes Vermeer’s “The Milkmaid.” Explore the intriguing world of Willem van Oranje, the winter landscapes of Hendrick Avercamp, and the beautiful Delft Blue collection.
1700 – 1800: Art, Culture, and History Come to Life
Travel back in time to the 18th century and discover the works of renowned artists such as Francisco de Goya and Vincent van Gogh. Be amazed by the exquisite silver collection, the impressive Waterloo painting, and the colorful depiction of Javanese court officials.
1900 – 2000: A Modern Perspective on Art and Innovation
The Rijksmuseum offers a unique collection of artworks from the 20th century. Admire the revolutionary fashion of Yves Saint Laurent, the expressive works of Karel Appel and Constant, the furniture designs of Gerrit Rietveld, and even an impressive aircraft.
Special Collection: Unique Treasures and Exceptional Objects
Immerse yourself in the Rijksmuseum’s special collection and admire the exquisite Delft Blue ceramics, the fashion and jewelry reflecting history, the impressive weapons, the detailed ship models, and the sculptures of Shiva, Manjushri, Temple Guardians, and Guanyin.
Step into the world of art, history, and culture during your visit to the Rijksmuseum and explore the diverse collections that represent unique eras.
Discover the Enigmatic Beauty of the Night Watch
A Timeless Masterpiece Awaits in Amsterdam! The Night Watch, a captivating painting by Rembrandt van Rijn, beckons visitors from England with its awe-inspiring presence at the Rijksmuseum. Step into the mysterious world of this iconic artwork, as the vivid colors and intricate details come to life. Feel the energy emanating from the heroic figures and delve into the captivating narrative that unfolds.
Immerse yourself in the rich history and artistic genius of Rembrandt, as the Night Watch stands as a testament to his unparalleled talent. Embark on a mesmerizing journey and witness this masterpiece firsthand, an experience not to be missed!
Restaurant at the Rijksmuseum
RIJKS® opened its doors in the Philips Wing of the Rijksmuseum in 2014, with Joris Bijendijk as the executive chef. Bijendijk, along with kitchen chefs Ivan Beusink and Yascha Oosterberg, introduced the “Kitchen of the Lowlands,” characterized by Dutch ingredients.
The menu
With his young team, he draws inspiration from local ingredients while incorporating the international flavors that have influenced Dutch cuisine throughout history. The lunch menu features dishes such as Ajo blanco with ‘korenaar’ asparagus, green strawberry, and almond, Millefeuille of beetroot with Tomasu beurre blanc and parsley oil, Lamb neck with summer salad, candied lemon, and black garlic gravy, and Rhubarb with goat’s milk yogurt parfait, vanilla, strawberry, and basil.
For those looking for a more extensive dining experience, the Rijks table offers a selection of dishes like Scallop with codium, Willem’s Wermoed vinaigrette, and radish, Green asparagus with chanterelle, 63° egg yolk, and green pea, and Dutch ‘feta’ from Ransdorp with cucumber, dill sorbet, and ‘hangop’ yogurt.
The menu also includes à la carte options, ranging from Zeeuwse creuse oyster with lemon and rose petal vinegar to mains like Fish of the day with fricassee of young legumes, lemon, and Dutch rice, Lamb neck with summer salad, candied lemon, and black garlic gravy, Dry-aged Baambrugs piglet with pumpkin, mole, and miso, and BBQ maitake with pumpkin, mole, and miso.
Vegarian Options
The vegetarian options include Ajo blanco with ‘korenaar’ asparagus, green strawberry, and almond, Millefeuille of beetroot with Tomasu beurre blanc and parsley oil, Cabbage pressé with pumpkin, mole, and miso, and Rhubarb with goat’s milk yogurt parfait, vanilla, strawberry, and basil.
Desserts feature options like a selection of cheeses from L’Amuse, Chocolate mousse with cocoa sorbet, vanilla cream, and chocolate crumble, and Rhubarb with goat’s milk yogurt parfait, vanilla, strawberry, and basil.
Overall, Rijks offers a diverse menu showcasing the flavors of the Dutch kitchen and the artistry of its chefs, making it a must-visit culinary destination at the Rijksmuseum.
How to get to art museum in Amsterdam?
The Rijksmuseum is easily accessible from Amsterdam Central Station, with the most convenient transportation options being trams 2 and 12, as well as bus 288, which will take you directly to Museumplein.
If you’re coming from Amsterdam Amstel Station, you can take either tram 12 or tram 5. Simply disembark at the Amsterdam Rijksmuseum or Paulus Potterstraat stops, and you’ll be just steps away from the art museum in Amsterdam.
You can also use the metro and go to Weesperplein. It’s a 2 minute walk to the Rijksmuseum.
Parking Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam
You can conveniently park your vehicle at the Q-Park parking. It’s located on Van Baerlestraat, providing easy access to the Rijksmuseum, just a short 10-minute walk away. The parking rate is £1.55 per hour.
The Rijksmuseum app
Maximize your museum experience with the free Rijksmuseum app, which offers multimedia tours, navigation, ticketing, and access to the collection. Plus, show your app* in the museum shop to receive a 10% discount for a limited time.
So be quick!