The Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands, housing 800 years of Dutch art and history in the grand neo-Gothic building designed by Pierre Cuypers and opened in 1885. It is world-famous for its Gallery of Honour, home to Rembrandt's 'The Night Watch' and Vermeer's 'The Milkmaid'. As of 2026, 'The Night Watch' is undergoing 'Operation Night Watch', the largest restoration in the painting's history, carried out inside a purpose-built glass chamber in the Gallery of Honour in full view of visitors. Plan for a half to full day, built around the Gallery of Honour.
Rembrandt's 'The Night Watch' — you can also watch the live restoration taking place inside its glass chamber.
Vermeer masterpieces in the Gallery of Honour, including 'The Milkmaid', 'Woman Reading a Letter' and 'The Little Street'.
The Gallery of Honour itself and the lavishly decorated Cuypers building.
Van Gogh's self-portrait alongside Dutch Golden Age paintings by Frans Hals, Jan Steen and others.
The Cuypers Library (the Netherlands' largest art-history research library), the Asian Pavilion, and the free-to-enter museum garden.
Good to know
RulesEvery visitor must book a timed-entry start time. This applies even to Museum Card and pass holders, so reserve your slot in advance on the official website.
SeasonJuly–August and weekends are very busy, and slots can sell out days ahead in peak season. Right at opening (9am) or late afternoon tends to be quieter.
RulesLarge backpacks, suitcases and umbrellas must be left in the free cloakroom before entry. Inside the museum, payment is card or mobile only — no cash is accepted.
MannersKeep a proper distance from the artworks; flash, tripods and selfie sticks are not allowed. Keep quiet in the galleries.
CautionBuy tickets only through the official website. Third-party resale sites often charge marked-up prices well above the real fare.
SafetyWatch for pickpockets in crowded spots like Museumplein and on trams — keep your bag in front. When walking, avoid stepping onto the bike path (fietspad); in Amsterdam, cyclists have the right of way.
Practical info
The museum is at Museumstraat 1 on Museumplein in the museum quarter; from Amsterdam Centraal, take tram 2 or 12 to the 'Rijksmuseum' stop. It opens daily 9am–5pm year-round, with adult tickets around €25 and free entry for under-18s, but prices, hours and exhibition dates can change — check the latest on the official website before you go.
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