Best time to visit Amsterdam

Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam

Explore the best classic art by the masters of Dutch Golden Age

Best time: all year round

Rijksmuseum
Rijksmuseum
Rijksmuseum
Rijksmuseum

Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum is one of Europe's most famous museums of the classic arts. It reflects the achievements of the Dutch Golden Age. The Gallery of Honour stands out for its grand collection of over 400 painting masterpieces by such well-known artists as Rembrandt, Vermeer, Jan Steen, Frans Hals. The most iconic piece must be Rembrandt’s ‘The Night Watch’ beautifully lit so that the observers could see it to the tiniest detail.

In fact, Rijksmuseum has much more to offer apart from the paintings. Around 8,000 objects exposed in 80 galleries feature delftware, silverware, archaeological artefacts, sculptures, clothing, doll’s houses, and lots of other amusing objects which retell 800 years of rich Dutch history.

The museum is open daily all year round from 9 am to 5 pm. The ticket desk closes at 4:30 pm. The Rijksmuseum gardens along with Rijks Shop and Café are open till 6 pm. You don't have to pay to enter the gardens.

The average queueing time at the ticket office is 20 to 30 minutes. Therefore, to skip the line, we recommend buying an e-ticket online. Also, the busiest months are April, May, and August. The least crowded hours are before 10 am and after 3 pm.

Practical info

What is significant about the Gallery of Honour?

The Gallery of Honour at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam contains over 400 classic art masterpieces, including works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Jan Steen, and Frans Hals. The gallery features breathtaking lighting, and the most iconic piece is Rembrandt's ‘The Night Watch. It is one of the most famous museums in Europe and a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts. Show more

What makes the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam stand out?

The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam showcases over 8,000 objects in 80 galleries and features paintings, sculptures, silverware, and doll’s houses. It enables visitors to discover the 800-year history of the Netherlands, with a specific focus on the Dutch Golden Age. The museum includes works by many famous artists like Rembrandt, Vermeer, Jan Steen, and Frans Hals, making it a unique cultural and artistic experience. Show more

What are the opening and closing hours of the Rijksmuseum?

The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. The museum's ticket desk closes at 4:30 pm, and the gardens, Rijks Shop, and Café are open until 6 pm. Visitors can enjoy the gardens at no cost. The museum remains open throughout the year, with the busiest months being April, May, and August. Visitors can avoid crowds by visiting before 10 am or after 3 pm. Show more

How can visitors avoid waiting in line at the Rijksmuseum?

Buy e-tickets in advance to skip the 20 to 30 minutes waiting time at the ticket office. Visitors can purchase e-tickets at the Rijksmuseum website or third-party booking platforms. Buying e-tickets not only lets visitors plan their visit better but also enter the museum through a dedicated fast lane. This way, visitors can avoid waiting in line and make the most out of their time at the museum. Show more

When is the best time to visit the Rijksmuseum?

The Rijksmuseum is busiest during April, May, and August. To avoid queues, visitors can come before 10 am or after 3 pm. These are the least crowded hours due to the ticket office closing at 4:30 pm. Visitors can also consider visiting during less busy months to enjoy the museum exhibits more freely. The best time to visit the Rijksmuseum is at visitors' convenience to avoid the crowds. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin