Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, better known as Rijksmuseum, is one of the biggest and most important museums from the Netherlands. The Rijksmuseum is a national museum established by the government in 1978, more than three years after the foundation of the Batavian Republic.
In the early days the collection consisted mainly of paintings and historical objects. It was housed in the Royal Palace 'Huis ten Bosch' in The Hague. In 1808, the museum moved to the new capitol Amsterdam, where it was established in the Royal Palace on Dam Square.
After the appointment of King Willem I, the national print collection moved to the Trippenhuis on Kloveniersburgwal and the other objects were returned to The Hague. The current building, just outside the city centre, was put into use in 1885 and has welcomed more than 2,5 million visitors in 2014. Barack Obama, the president of the United States of America, has visited the Rijksmuseum in March 2014.
The Netherlands’ most iconic museum
The Rijksmuseum first opened its doors in 1800 and moved to its current location at Museumplein in 1885. Designed by Dutch architect Pierre Cuypers, the building is a masterpiece in itself, blending Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles. After an extensive 10-year renovation completed in 2013, the museum was fully modernised while preserving its historic grandeur. Today, the Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands, attracting millions of visitors each year from around the world.
Rijksmuseum: Discover 800 years of Dutch art and history
Your Rijksmuseum visit includes:
- Dutch masterpieces: Admire world-famous works like Rembrandt’s The Night Watch and paintings by Vermeer and Frans Hals.
- 800 years of history: Explore an extensive collection of art, crafts, and historical objects from the Middle Ages to the present.
- Stunning galleries: Wander through beautifully designed halls, including the impressive Gallery of Honour.
- For all visitors: From art lovers to first-time visitors, the Rijksmuseum offers an unforgettable cultural experience.
Did You Know? The Night Watch Isn’t Its Original Name
Rembrandt’s famous painting The Night Watch is actually not set at night at all. Over the centuries, layers of varnish darkened the painting, making it appear as a nighttime scene. After restoration revealed its true brightness, it turned out to depict a scene in daylight—but the nickname had already stuck.
Prices
Prices are subject to change. Other free or reduced admissions: City Pass, I amsterdam City Card, KOG membership, KVVAK, GoCity, Rembrandt Association, Companion of a visitor with a disability, Employee card Partner. For ICOM or ICOMOS cards, it is not necessary to reserve a ticket. Please bring your physical pass with you.
Opening hours
The Rijksmuseum is open every day. Also on Christmas day, Boxing day and New Year's day.
| Monday | 09:00 – 17:00 |
| Tuesday | 09:00 – 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 09:00 – 17:00 |
| Thursday | 09:00 – 17:00 |
| Friday | 09:00 – 17:00 |
| Saturday | 09:00 – 17:00 |
| Sunday | 09:00 – 17:00 |
Best time of arrival: if you would like to avoid having to wait if the museum reaches capacity, we advice you to arrive before 11:00 or after 15:00. The busiest days are on public holidays and during holiday season, especially Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Rijksmuseum
Museumstraat 11071 XX Amsterdam
How to get there:
- Walking: located at Museumplein, easily accessible from the city centre
- Bicycle: bike parking available around the Rijksmuseum and at Museumplein
- Tram: 1, 9, 17 to Rijksmuseum
- Bus: 357, 397, N97 to Museumplein
- Metro: 52 to Vijzelgracht (10-minute walk)
- Car: parking available at Q-Park Museumplein
Accessibility: The Rijksmuseum provides full accessibility for visitors with mobility aids, featuring step-free access and lifts throughout the building. Additional services include free borrowing of wheelchairs, sensory-friendly options, and specialized tours for visitors with visual or hearing impairments. For more details, visit the Rijksmuseum.
Hotels near Rijksmuseum
Leonardo Boutique Museumhotel
P.C. Hooftstraat 2
1071 BX Amsterdam
0,2 km
Park Centraal Amsterdam
Stadhouderskade 25
1071 ZD Amsterdam
0,2 km
Jan Luyken Amsterdam
Jan Luijkenstraat 58
1071 CS Amsterdam
0,3 km
Hotel JL No76
Jan Luijkenstraat 76
1071 CT Amsterdam
0,3 km
Conservatorium Hotel
Paulus Potterstraat 50
1071 DB Amsterdam
0,4 km
Avani Museum Quarter Hotel
Hobbemakade 50
1071 XL Amsterdam
0,5 km
Last updated: March 2026