The Rijksmuseum in the Netherlands is one of the most well-known art museums in the world, with a collection of 1 million works of art in total. Over 2 million people visit it each year, making it an indispensable site in Amsterdam. The national museum of the Netherlands, Rijksmuseum, has 8000 pieces in 80 galleries that cover 800 years.
From the Middle Ages to the present, you can find the rich artistic culture of the Netherlands. Rembrandt, Frans Hals, and Johannes Vermeer are just a few of the Dutch artists whose works are on display in the museum. At the Rijksmuseum, iconic pieces of art like The Night Watch, The Milk Maid, and The Threatened Swan are on show.
I’m not a fan of museums. That is not to mean that I have no interest in natural history, science, art, or other topics covered at the museum. Stated, I lack the patience to focus on one item for a long period. For some reason, I’m not physically capable of it, after only a short amount of standing still my back hurt, and I have a spine problem. Whereas I can walk for a lot longer before having any back issues.
Therefore, it must be a very tiny museum or a very brief visit if I go to a museum. This is why I don’t visit museums very often; if you’re just going to be there for a short while, a visit doesn’t feel like it’s worth the money at €17.00 (for the Louvre), €20 (for the Rijksmuseum), or $25 (for the Metropolitan Museum of Art).
It is advised to purchase the Ticket online from its official website to avoid the long queues.
A buddy from the US who was only in Amsterdam for two days and wanted to return to his hometown joined me as I toured this museum. To meet them, I came to Amsterdam. We both desired to visit the Rijksmuseum and have a short city tour. The large explanation cards that are accessible are worth reading for some of the more well-known artworks. They point out things that you would not have seen on your own, including how The Night Watch was reduced in size in the past to fit in a smaller area, making it appear somewhat off-balance in contrast to the original layout. Or that an x-ray analysis of the artwork showed a specific area where Rembrandt suffered.
So that’s what we’ve done: we strolled through the city, taking in the picture-postcard sights of the canals and leaning buildings.
After eating lunch, we went for a walk to explore the Amsterdam canals and take some snaps and also take a boat ride before visiting the Rijksmuseum. I would have gone to the more contemporary artwork on the top floor if I had been by alone. I adore the mysteries that exist throughout abstract art. Is the artist’s aim consistent with my interpretation?
But I’m happy I suggested the Golden Age masters in the Gallery of Honour on the second floor. All from Boston, it felt to me that my friends had easy access to contemporary art at home. They were in Holland, which is linked with the Golden Age artists like Rembrandt and Vermeer. After all, a large number of the buildings we would have just appreciated during our walk date from the same era of prosperity and innovation.
A collection of paintings from the Rijksmuseum’s Golden Age are shown on either side of a long, straight corridor, with Rembrandt’s The Night Watch serving as the pièce de resistance at the far end.
Rembrandt’s most significant and well-known work, “The Night Watch,” is located in the middle of his exhibit.
It’s interesting to note that the painting’s original title is “Militia Company of District II under the Command of Captain Frans Banning Cocq,” and the term “Nachtwacht” didn’t exist until 1797 when it was assumed that the scenario occurred at night.
The first picture by Johannes Vermeer that the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam got was “Woman Reading a Letter” in 1885.
The painting is believed to date from 1663 because of the design, use of the female form, and pose that is similar to other works from the same period, including “Girl Reading a Letter at an Open Window” (1657–59), “Woman Holding a Balance” (1662–63), and “Woman with a Pearl Necklace” (1664).
Naturally, I was familiar with many of these paintings, and that was part of the fun: “Oh, I knew that one! Vermeer created it! Wow, it’s a lot smaller than I expected. And notice the fine detail!
Individual brushstrokes, texture, and other details are only visible while seeing these paintings in person rather than on a computer screen. Seeing these Rijksmuseum highlights was a delight.
It is essential to begin your tour with the most well-known artifacts and try to spend as much time as possible seeing the high-quality items. If you attempt to see all the paintings and learn about all the other exhibits, even a whole day will seem like very little time to you.
The large explanation cards that are accessible are worth reading for some of the more well-known artworks. They point out things that you would not have seen on your own, including how The Night Watch was reduced in size in the past to fit in a smaller area, making it appear somewhat off-balance in contrast to the original layout. Or that an x-ray analysis of the artwork showed a specific area where Rembrandt suffered.
Several of the artworks, especially the landscapes and seascapes like Willem van de Velde’s The Cannon Shot, seem eerily photorealistic. Magnificent.
However, I believe that The Milkmaid by Vermeer was my favorite because of the scene’s serenity, ordinariness, and the slender light shining from the side. The picture is quite little, and the detail is superb.
So, after spending two and a half hours on the second floor, we moved to the main floor and then saw more of Amsterdam’s culture. I found it interesting to learn about the old people’s history, struggles, and culture.
Useful Information for Tourists
Amsterdam’s Museumstraat 1 is home to the Rijksmuseum (Museumplein). Take tram 2 or 16 from the Central railway station. Take trams 2 or 16 from Amsterdam Central to Schiphol Airport or take bus 397 or a train to Amsterdam Central. Driving is not allowed in Amsterdam! There are several bicycles and walkers, confusing traffic regulations, and unnecessarily high parking costs.
Tips
- Avoid Weekend Visits
- Never Visit During Holidays
- Go During the Slowest Hours
The busiest time at the Rijksmuseum is from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit as soon as the museum opens or after 3 p.m. for the best chance of avoiding the throng.
- Buy Your Tickets Online
If you weren’t aware, you may purchase Rijksmuseum tickets online on their main website. The good thing is that you don’t have to buy the tickets on the day you want to go because you may use them whenever you want. You can avoid the inconvenience of standing in line to enter by doing this step.
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