Rijksmuseum Visitor Guide
The Rijksmuseum is a world-renowned museum located in Amsterdam, Netherlands. It is home to a vast collection of Dutch art and history, including over 8,000 paintings and artifacts. For visitors planning a trip to the Rijksmuseum, it can be overwhelming to navigate such a large and diverse collection.
In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to visiting the Rijksmuseum. We will cover everything from the history of the museum to the best ways to explore the collection. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned museum-goer, this guide will help you make the most of your visit to the Rijksmuseum.
Getting to Rijksmuseum
Visiting the Rijksmuseum is a must-do activity in Amsterdam. To make the most of your visit, it’s important to know how to get there. The museum is located in the Museum Quarter, which is easily accessible by car or public transport.
By Car
If you’re traveling by car, it’s important to note that parking in the Museum Quarter can be difficult and expensive. The nearest parking garage is Q-Park Museumplein, just a few minutes’ walk from the Rijksmuseum.
It’s recommended to use a GPS system to navigate to the museum, as the area can be confusing for drivers who are unfamiliar with the city.
By Public Transport
Public transport is the easiest and most affordable way to get to the Rijksmuseum. The museum is well-connected by tram, bus, and metro.
The Line 2 tram and Line 52 metro both have stops that are a 10-minute walk from the museum. Visitors can also take bus lines 347, 357, and 397 to the museum.
For those who prefer to travel by bike, there are several bike rental options in the area.
It’s important to note that the museum is located in a busy area, so visitors should plan their route in advance and allow extra time for potential delays.
Tickets and Admission
Visiting the Rijksmuseum is an unforgettable experience. Before planning your visit, it’s important to know about the different ticket types, online booking options, and group bookings.
Ticket Types
The Rijksmuseum offers various ticket types to suit different needs. Adult entrance tickets cost varies depending on how and where you purchase them. In person tickets for adults cost around €20, while visitors up to 18 years old can enter for free. The museum also offers discounted tickets for students, groups, and seniors.
For visitors who plan to visit multiple museums in the Netherlands, the Museumkaart is a great option. This card offers free entrance to over 400 museums in the country, including the Rijksmuseum. The card costs €64.90 and is valid for one year.
Online Booking
Visitors can book their tickets online to avoid long queues at the museum entrance. The online ticket allows visitors to skip the line and enter the museum directly. It’s important to note that online tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. You can get the tickets directly from the Rijksmuseum website for $24.95. You might be able to get discounted tickets on some other online websites. For example, Passforless offers entry tickets for $12.18.
When booking online, visitors can choose their preferred time slot and date. It’s recommended to book tickets in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure availability.
Group Bookings
The Rijksmuseum welcomes group bookings for schools, tour operators, and other organizations. Groups of 15 or more people can benefit from discounted rates and special guided tours.
Group bookings must be made in advance by contacting the museum’s booking department. It’s important to provide all necessary information, including the group size, date and time of visit, and any special requirements.
Museum Layout and Highlights
The Rijksmuseum is a large museum with a rich collection of Dutch art and history. Visitors can easily spend hours exploring the galleries and exhibits. In this section, we will provide an overview of the museum layout and some of the must-see highlights.
Floor Plan
The Rijksmuseum is housed in a historic castle-like building with several floors. The museum is divided into several sections, each with its own theme and collection. Visitors can pick up a free floor plan at the entrance to help navigate the museum.
The ground floor is home to the museum’s main entrance, ticket office, and gift shop. The first floor features the famous Gallery of Honour, which showcases some of the museum’s most iconic paintings from the Dutch Golden Age. The second and third floors house other collections, including decorative arts, prints, and drawings.
Must-See Exhibits
One of the highlights of the Rijksmuseum is the Gallery of Honour, which features paintings by Dutch masters such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Frans Hals. Visitors can also see the museum’s most famous painting, the Night Watch by Rembrandt, in a special gallery on the second floor.
Other must-see exhibits include the Asian Pavilion, which houses the museum’s collection of Asian art and artifacts, and the Philips Wing, which features modern and contemporary art. Visitors interested in Dutch history should also check out the museum’s collection of decorative arts and historical objects, which includes everything from Delftware to weapons and armor.
Temporary Exhibitions
In addition to its permanent collection, the Rijksmuseum also hosts several temporary exhibitions throughout the year. These exhibits showcase a range of art and artifacts from around the world and are often curated in collaboration with other museums and institutions.
Recent temporary exhibitions have included a retrospective of the work of Dutch photographer Erwin Olaf and a display of 18th-century Japanese art. Visitors should check the museum’s website for information on current and upcoming temporary exhibitions.
Guided Tours and Audio Guides
Types of Tours
Visitors to the Rijksmuseum can choose from a variety of guided tours to enhance their experience. Professional guides can be booked directly through the museum or groups of up to 20 people can bring their own guide for free. Audio guides are also available for individual visitors at the museum entrance. The audio guide is available in Dutch, English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, and Japanese.
Availability
Guided tours are available throughout the year, but it is recommended to book in advance to ensure availability.
Cost
The cost of guided tours varies depending on the type of tour and the size of the group. Professional guides can be booked directly through the museum and prices start at €100 per hour for groups of up to 20 people. Individual visitors can rent audio guides for €5, and groups of up to 15 people can rent a group tour for €85. Visitors can also purchase a combination ticket for €35, which includes a reserved entrance to the museum and an audio guide. Overall, guided tours and audio guides are a great way to enhance the Rijksmuseum experience. Visitors can choose from a variety of tours and languages to suit their interests and preferences. It is recommended to book in advance to ensure availability and to make the most of the museum’s collections.
Facilities and Amenities
The Rijksmuseum offers a variety of facilities and amenities to enhance visitors’ experiences. From dining options to storage solutions, guests can enjoy a comfortable and convenient visit to the museum.
Restaurants and Cafes
Visitors can enjoy a culinary tour of the country at the Museum Café located above the museum shop. The café serves Dutch delicacies and local food, and is a great option for a substantial meal during a visit. For quick refreshments, there are numerous coffee corners throughout the museum.
Gift Shop
The Rijksmuseum’s gift shop offers a wide selection of souvenirs, books, and art-related products. Visitors can find unique gifts and keepsakes to commemorate their visit to the museum. The shop is open during museum hours and can be accessed without a ticket.
Cloakroom and Lockers
The Rijksmuseum provides a cloakroom service where visitors can store their coats, bags, and other belongings. The cloakroom is located near the museum entrance and is free of charge. For additional security, lockers are also available for a small fee.
Accessibility and Special Needs
Visitors with disabilities are welcome at the Rijksmuseum. The museum has made efforts to make the museum accessible for all visitors. Here are some of the ways the Rijksmuseum accommodates visitors with special needs:
Wheelchair Access
The Rijksmuseum is wheelchair accessible. There are ramps and elevators throughout the museum, and wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors who need to use a wheelchair can reserve one in advance by contacting the museum.
Assistive Devices
The Rijksmuseum has assistive devices available for visitors with hearing, visual, or cognitive impairments. Audio guides are available in several languages, and there are also audio tours available for visitors who are blind or have low vision. The museum also has magnifying glasses and large-print guides available for visitors who need them.
Special Needs Services
The Rijksmuseum offers several services for visitors with special needs. Visitors who need assistance can request a personal assistant to accompany them throughout the museum. The museum also has a sensory room for visitors with autism or other sensory processing disorders. Additionally, visitors who have difficulty standing for long periods of time can request a stool to use while viewing the artwork.
Tips for a Great Visit
Visiting the Rijksmuseum can be an exciting and enriching experience. Here are some tips to make the most of your visit:
Best Time to Visit
The Rijksmuseum can be crowded, especially during peak tourist season. To avoid crowds, it is best to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon. The museum is open until 5 pm, so consider visiting after 3 pm to avoid the busiest times.
What to Wear
The Rijksmuseum does not have a dress code, but visitors should dress appropriately for a cultural institution. Comfortable shoes are recommended, as the museum is quite large and requires a lot of walking. Visitors should also consider wearing layers, as the temperature inside the museum can vary.
Photography and Filming
Photography and filming are allowed in most areas of the museum, but visitors should be respectful of other visitors and the artwork. Flash photography is not allowed, and tripods and selfie sticks are not permitted. Some special exhibitions may have specific rules regarding photography and filming, so be sure to check before taking any pictures.
Overall, visitors to the Rijksmuseum should plan ahead, dress appropriately, and be respectful of the artwork and other visitors. By following these tips, visitors can have a great experience exploring the museum’s impressive collection of Dutch art and history.
A Brief Summary (TLDR)
The Rijksmuseum is a must-see destination for any art lover visiting Amsterdam. The museum boasts an impressive collection of over one million works of art, including pieces by Dutch masters such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh. The museum’s recent renovations have made it even more accessible and enjoyable for visitors.
Visitors can make the most of their time at the Rijksmuseum by planning ahead. The museum offers free entrance for visitors up to 18 years old, and adult entrance tickets cost €20. It’s important to note that upon purchasing your ticket, you need to select a start time. Visitors can also take advantage of guided tours or audio guides to enhance their experience and gain a deeper understanding of the museum’s collection.
When visiting the Rijksmuseum, visitors should be sure to prioritize the museum’s most famous works, such as Rembrandt’s Night Watch and Vermeer’s Milkmaid. The Gallery of Honour is also a must-see, featuring some of the museum’s most impressive works of art. Visitors can watch the researchers at work restoring the Night Watch painting right there on site, in the Night Watch gallery for all to see.
Overall, the Rijksmuseum is a fascinating and educational attraction that should not be missed by anyone visiting Amsterdam. With a little planning and preparation, visitors can make the most of their time at the museum and gain a deeper appreciation for Dutch art and culture.
