Unmissable Rijksmuseum highlights

What to see in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam

The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam is home to many world-class works of art and is one of Amsterdam's major museums. We've collected the main highlights in this round-up to help you discover what is in the Rijksmuseum and how to spend your time during a visit. Unforgettable paintings such as Rembrandt's Night Watch, Vermeer's The Milkmaid and special highlights such as the museum's unique architecture, it Cuypers Library and gardens are definitely worth a visit, and, luckily, entrance is free with the I amsterdam City Card.

The Night Watch

Rembrandt’s best-known masterpiece, which marked a turning point in the artist’s career, takes pride of place in its own eponymous gallery. The large-scale painting depicts guardsmen getting into formation, with a young girl in the foreground rumoured to be modelled on Rembrandt’s late wife. The opulent space is dedicated to Rembrandt’s vision and talent, complete with a frieze commemorating key moments in the artist’s life.

The Night Watch, Rembrandt van Rijn, 1642

The Milkmaid

The Rijksmuseum’s Milkmaid is Johannes Vermeer’s only painting of a domestic servant and one of his most recognisable works, rivalled only by Girl with a Pearl Earring at the Mauritshuis in The Hague. Admire the intensely saturated blue and yellow tones and the artist’s beautiful handling of natural light, which led generations of art historians to comment on the artwork’s photographic realism.

The Milkmaid, Johannes Vermeer, 1654–58

The Rijksmuseum Gardens

Before you’re even inside the museum, you can enjoy the artistic whimsy of the sculpture-filled secret museum garden designed by Pierre Cuypers in 1901. Among the intricate topiaries, water features and colourful flowerbeds, an enormous wingnut tree looks over the play areas, installations and temporary exhibitions in the summer.

The dolls’ house

Among its quirkier items, the Rijksmuseum has three antique dolls’ houses on display (including the one that inspired Jessie Burton’s 2014 novel, The Miniaturist). These 17th-century curiosities were not children’s toys, but rather a sort of expensive hobby for wealthy housewives. Houses such as this were decorated with glass, silver, china and textile furnishings created exactly to scale.

Dolls’ house of Petronella Oortman, c. 1676

The passage

Only in Amsterdam would a national museum allow cyclists to speed right through it! The Rijksmuseum’s passageway connects the two halves of the atrium, with glass panels giving passers-by a glimpse into the museum’s grand interior. The passage’s excellent acoustics make it popular among street musicians. Best of all, it's entirely free to visit, as it is technically not inside the museum.

Marten and Oopjen

Wim Pijbes, former director of the Rijksmuseum, describes these works as ‘the most wanted and least exhibited Rembrandts in the world.’ The pair of paintings were purchased jointly by the Netherlands and France in 2016. Following restoration at the Rijksmuseum, the paintings now alternate between their two homes at the Rijksmuseum and the Louvre in Paris.

Cuypers Library

A booklover’s paradise, the Cuypers Library is the oldest and most extensive collection of art history texts in the Netherlands. Visitors are welcomed to come and browse the shelves and study, or view the museum’s (seemingly endless!) online collection on the library’s iPads.

The Threatened Swan

This painting by Jan Asselijn was the first piece purchased by the Nationale Kunstgalerij (the Rijksmuseum’s predecessor) but that’s not all that’s special about it. The swan fiercely defending its nest from a dog was later understood to represent Johan de Witt who fought against enemies of the state. The swan has since become a symbol of Dutch national resistance.

The Threatened Swan, Jan Asselijn, c. 1650.

The Wedding Portrait of Isaac Massa and Beatrix van der Laen

Frans Hals’ portrait of the couple believed to be Isaac Massa and Beatrix van der Laen is one of the Dutch master’s more unusual compositions. When it was painted in the 17th century, wedding portraits were unwaveringly stiff and stoic – the smiling and comfortable body positioning of this couple caused quite the scandal.   

Portrait of a Couple, Probably Isaac Abrahamsz Massa and Beatrix van der Laen, Frans Hals, c. 1622

Culinary masterpieces at RIJKS

While there are a great many more paintings we could list here, the museum’s Michelin-starred restaurant, RIJKS, is a testament to Dutch creativity – of the kind you can eat. Executive chef Joris Bijdendijk’s menus are inspired by the flavours that have influenced Dutch cuisine throughout history. The team also regularly invite prominent guest chefs into the kitchen - akin to guest curators in a museum.  

Rijksmuseum: frequently asked questions

• How do you pronounce Rijksmuseum?

The word 'Rijksmuseums' can be quite difficult to pronounce. An approximate pronunciation is "r-eye-ks-muu-z-ay-um".

• Where is the Rijksmuseum located?

The Rijksmuseum is located on Museum Square in Amsterdam South at the address Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam. You can easily get there via tram from Amsterdam Centraal. Luckily, both public transport and museum entrance are included with the I amsterdam City Card!

• Can you take pictures in the Rijksmuseum?

Yes, you are allowed to take photos and film in the museum, as long as this does not cause any inconvenience to others. Special equipment, including lamps, flash, stands or selfie sticks are not allowed unless granted prior written permission by the Rijksmuseum.

• Does the Rijksmuseum have a cafe?

Yes, the Rijksmuseum does have a cafe in the main Atrium. The Café has a great choice of lunch items, highlighting local Dutch produce and offering snacks, as well as coffee, tea and pastries.

• How long should you spend at the Rijksmuseum?

If you wish to see the main highlights, you should plan for 2-3 hours. For a more extensive, well-rounded visit to the Rijksmuseum, you can easily spend 4-5 hours or more, depending on your interests. The Rijksmuseum is quite large with a lot to see.

• Do you need to book Rijksmuseum tickets in advance?

Yes, you need to reserve a timeslot before your visit to the Rijksmuseum. The timeslot indicates your required start time, from which you can enter. You can book a timeslot on the Rijksmuseum website. Check out our roundup of things to book in advance for your trip to Amsterdam to ensure you're prepared for your trip.