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The Rijksmuseum is the largest and most important museum in the Netherlands with a collection of more than 1 million objects. It exists already for more than 200 years and had its beginning in 1800, when it opened the first time to the public, named Kunstgallerij (National Art Gallery).

In 1815 its name got changed to Rijksmuseum by the Dutch King Willem I and in 1885 the museum moved to its current building, which was designed by a Dutch architect in a neo-Renaissance style using also neo-Gothic elements.

The exhibition is organized by theme, with the Golden Age as the main theme. The biggest attractions are the paintings of Dutch masters such as Frans Hals, Johannes Vermeer, Jan Steen and Rembrandt. Some tourists come especially to the museum to see Rembrandt's famous painting “Night Watch”, but it is certainly not the only masterpiece.

There is also an exhibition of antique Delftware porcelain and silver objects. But the pride of the museum are two beautifully decorated dollhouses from the 17th century. These dolls were created by professionals with in detailed little objects like brooms, stock pots and silver spoons. The walls of the rooms are lined with silk carpets and the floors of the dollhouses are real Italian marble.

The collection in the Rijksmuseum is that big, that more space is needed to exhibit all the works, therefore the museum is getting extended since 2003 by creating new spaces inside of the old building but also by building new galleries outside.

Address: Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, Jan Luijkenstraat, 11071 CM Amsterdam
Tram: lines 2 and 5 to “Hobbemastraat” or lines 6, 7 and 10 to “Spiegelgracht”
Opening Hours: every day from 9:00 to 18:00
Admission: adults 14 €, up to 18 years free

Credits Pics:
Rijksmuseum Flickr Gallery Rob Lee
Rijksmuseum Flickr Gallery ardenswayoflife
Rijksmuseum 02 Flickr Gallery Shadowgate