A Fan Page for the Rijksmuseum and Dutch Art
Rijks is an independent fan site dedicated to the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and the art and history it preserves. We are not the museum itself and we do not sell tickets or tours. We share history, stories, and practical information for fellow enthusiasts. Our goal is to celebrate one of the world's great museums and help visitors get more from their experience.
The Rijksmuseum has its roots in the early 19th century, when a national collection was formed to preserve Dutch art and history. The current building on Museumplein opened in 1885, designed by Pierre Cuypers in a distinctive Dutch Renaissance style. Over the decades the collection grew to include masterpieces of the Golden Age and beyond. A major renovation in the early 21st century restored the building and re-presented the collection for a new generation. Today it stands as the Netherlands' premier museum of art and history.
The Rijksmuseum holds Dutch art and history from the Middle Ages to the present. The Gallery of Honour is home to Rembrandt's Night Watch and works by Vermeer, Frans Hals, and other Golden Age masters. Beyond painting, the museum displays decorative arts, sculpture, Asian art, maritime history, and historical objects that tell the story of the Netherlands. Temporary exhibitions focus on specific artists, periods, or themes. The scale and quality of the collection reward repeated visits.
The Rijksmuseum building is an icon of Dutch architecture. Pierre Cuypers combined Gothic and Renaissance elements with rich decoration: murals, tilework, and sculpture that reference Dutch history and symbolism. The central passage under the building was originally for traffic; today it is a public thoroughfare. The renovation preserved and restored these features while modernising visitor facilities. The building itself is part of the experience.
The museum is open daily. Timed tickets are required and can be booked via the official museum website. We do not sell tickets. Plan at least half a day for a first visit; the collection is large. The Gallery of Honour and the Night Watch draw the biggest crowds — consider visiting early or late. Audio guides and printed guides are available from the museum. Accessibility information is published on the museum's own site.
We are fans of the Rijksmuseum and Dutch art, not affiliated with the institution. This site is a labour of love: we write about the museum's history, collections, and our own visits. We do not represent the museum, sell tickets, or run commercial tours. We simply want to share our enthusiasm and help others discover and appreciate this extraordinary place.
Book your timed ticket well in advance, especially for weekends and holidays. Wear comfortable shoes — the building is large. Allow time for the Gallery of Honour and the Night Watch, but also explore other wings. The museum has a café and shop. Photography is permitted in most areas without flash. Check the official Rijksmuseum website for the latest opening hours and rules.
Dive deeper into the Rijksmuseum with our guides on history, masterpieces, and visiting.
Frequently asked questions about the Rijksmuseum and this fan site.
No. We are a fan site. Tickets must be purchased from the official Rijksmuseum website.
No. We are independent fans. For official information, always use the museum's own website.
Opening hours can change. Check the official Rijksmuseum website for current times and any closures.
Our guides cover the museum's history, key works, and practical visiting advice. The FAQ answers common questions. For anything else, use the contact form. We update the site when we can, but for tickets, opening hours, and official information, always refer to the Rijksmuseum's own website.