The Rijksmuseum, the top treasure house in the Netherlands, is one of the best art museums in the world. Around 8000 works of art, including paintings by local heroes Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh, as well as many more treasures, are contained within its 1.5 km of galleries.
Pick up a guide from the information desk to navigate the museum's four levels, which run from Floor O, the main atrium, to Floor 3. The highlights can be seen in a few hours, but you may need more time to experience them. On-site amenities include a Michelin-starred restaurant, a shop, a library, a cafe, and a garden to help visitors unwind.
The ideal place to start your journey is on Floor 2, which houses the collection's treasures, including its Golden Age masterpieces in the Gallery of Honor. Vermeer's and De Hooch's intimate works offer a glimpse into daily life of the 17th century, but Rembrandt's The Night Watch (1642), which is always surrounded by crowds, is the star of the show.
The name Archers under his direction was first given to them by the militia's captain, Captain Frans Banning Cocq.Years later, however, because of a layer of filth that gave the impression that it was nighttime, they were given the name The Night Watch. Since then, the colors have been returned.
On this floor, you'll find several Rembrandt paintings, including his uncompromising self-portrait as The Jewish Bride (1665) and the Apostle Paul, which so moved Van Gogh that he said he would forego ten years of his life to sit in front of it for a fortnight while eating only a crust of bread.
The Merry Family (1668) by Jan Steen, who became known for portraying frantic families to convey moral lessons, and the well-known Portrait of a Girl Dressed in Blue (1641) by Johannes Cornelisz Verspronck, which shows a young girl in her Sunday best, are among the other highlights at the Rijksmuseum.
Aside from the gathering of work of art paintings, other must-sees include the Asian Pavilion with its top-notch artworks from Japan, India, China, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam, as well as Cuyper's library, which is visible from the balcony on Floor 2 and is a towering book-lined area reminiscent of Escher.
The museum shop is a terrific place to browse and buy a memento or gift for someone. It carries a wide variety of art prints, books, odd goods, Delftware, and more.
Large-scale sculpture shows are held at least once a year on the sculpture-filled grounds, the outdoor gallery. Roses, hedges, and fountains are all accessible for free strolling. There is a nice greenhouse as well.
Duration RequiredMuseumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam The Netherlands
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