In this post, I'm excited to take a closer look at Amsterdam’s most famous city square, Museumplein, and the best knowns art museum, the Rijksmuseum. I personally love learning through art, whether its paintings or sculptures, and truly value the experience of seeing master painters' works in person. So, I'm eager to share the paintings that stood out to me during my recent visit to Amsterdam. I'd also like to emphasize the significance of Museumplein, as this square is home to an array of cultural institutions.

Through our Amsterdam Destination Guide, we've shared insights on navigating your way to and around Amsterdam, compiled a thorough list of activities, and recommended the top hotels for a comfortable stay. Following our previous blog post, where we laid out a 3-day itinerary featuring these sites, I now aim to dive further into these two landmarks.

MUSEUMPLEIN

When I went to the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, I took the opportunity to stroll this public square. It was lovely under the big sky flanked by these different buildings around it. The buildings were far apart making this park very spacious.

Historical Background

Museumplein was created in the late 19th century as part of a grand urban expansion project. Initially designed to accommodate the 1883 International Colonial and Export Exhibition, the square has evolved over the years into a major cultural and recreational area. Its layout and purpose have seen various transformations, reflecting changes in societal and cultural priorities.

Key Attractions

Rijksmuseum: The square is dominated by the Rijksmuseum. This national museum showcases Dutch art and history from the Middle Ages to the present day, featuring works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and many other masters.

Van Gogh Museum: A short walk from the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum houses the largest collection of Vincent van Gogh's paintings and letters in the world. It provides deep insights into the artist's life and evolution, drawing art lovers from around the globe.

Stedelijk Museum: Focused on modern and contemporary art and design, the Stedelijk Museum features works from the early 20th century to the present. It includes notable collection of paintings, sculptures, photography, and graphic design.

Concertgebouw: The Royal Concertgebouw is renowned for its exceptional acoustics and rich musical history. It's one of the world's leading concert halls, hosting a wide range of classical music performances and events.

Moco Museum: A boutique museum with a unique focus on modern, contemporary, and street art.

Museumplein. Amsterdam. — *Museumplein. Van Gogh Museum and Concertgebouw in the distance.*

The Square Today

Museumplein is a vibrant public area where locals and tourists alike gather to relax, play, and participate in various events. The square is equipped with expansive green lawns, water features, and cozy seating areas, making it an ideal spot for relaxation, picnics, outdoor activities, and cultural festivals. In the winter, it transforms into a magical place with an ice-skating rink.

The area around Museumplein also boasts a variety of cafes, restaurants, and shops, making it even more ideal to enjoy. I found it inviting and relaxing. It’s also a great place to enjoy street performers showcasing their talent.

RIJKSMUSEUM

Getting Your Rijksmuseum Ticket

Remember, the Rijksmuseum is one of Amsterdam's most popular attractions. Booking your ticket and tour in advance is crucial to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable visit.

Online Purchase: The most convenient way to buy your Rijksmuseum ticket is online through the official Rijksmuseum website. When purchasing your tickets, you are able to add other extra options such as guided tours or audio guide. You will also be prompted to select your date and entry time.

Museum Pass: As stated in our Things to Do in Amsterdam from our Destination Guide, if you're planning to visit multiple museums in Amsterdam, consider getting the Museumkaart (Museum Card), which includes free entry to the Rijksmuseum among many other museums throughout the Netherlands. If you’re planning to see at least 4 museums, this might be worth it.

***Specifically for Rijksmuseum, when booking your date and time slot of entry, there is an option on the ticket page to select entrance to the museum with the Museumkaart. From there, you can book your date and time, and add any extra options you would like including a guided tour or audio guide.

***We do not recommend purchasing your tickets on-site especially during peak seasons. Tickets will most likely sell out by the time you get there or stand in long lines to purchase your tickets. Avoid the hassle and purchase online before you go.

Museum Tours

Guided Tours by the Rijksmuseum: The museum itself offers a guided tour for an additional cost focusing on different themes and collections within the museum. These tours are led by knowledgeable guides and provide in-depth insights into the museum's masterpieces and hidden gems. This option can be added while purchasing tickets online.

Audio Tours: You can always add an audio guide for those who prefer exploring at their own pace. The app includes detailed descriptions of artworks and thematic routes throughout the museum.

Viator or Get your Guide: Both of these companies provide a variety of guided tour options for the Rijksmuseum, including exclusive early access tours, small group tours, and combination tickets that pair the museum visit with other experiences in Amsterdam.

I recommend doing one of the tours – either the Museum Guided Tour or one from Viator or Get Your Guid e. Personally, I find that a guided tour significantly enriches my understanding and appreciation of the exhibits. It's more than just viewing art; it's about connecting with the history and culture of a bygone era. These tours invariably spark curiosity and reflection in me, leading me to ponder over our current practices and viewpoints. It's fascinating to observe how different our modern mores and morals are compared to those of the past, and I believe it's crucial to acknowledge and respect these differences. Understanding cultural and historical relativity not only broadens our horizons but also deepens our appreciation of our own times and values.

ABOUT THE RIJKSMUSEUM

The Rijksmuseum is in the heart of Amterdam’s Museumplein. It opened in 1885, showcasing Dutch art and history from the Middle Ages to present day. The building itself is a blending of Gothic and Renaissance design that architect Pierre Cuypers masterfully integrated. It has an intricate façade adorned with statues and reliefs. The museum’s renovation was completed in 2013, seamlessly integrating the historical with the contemporary. This renovation has not only restored the building's original grandeur but also reimagined it for modern visitors.

The Rijks Restaurant within the museum has crafted an extraordinary space and menu and received a Michelin star in 2016. Make sure to dine there as we did.

A Walk Through Notable Rooms and Collections

The Rijksmuseum houses several key areas that are must-sees for any visitor:

The Gallery of Honour: This grand corridor leads you to a collection of works by the Dutch masters, including Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Hals, offering a comprehensive look at the Golden Age of Dutch painting.

The Night Watch Room: Specially designed to showcase Rembrandt's "The Night Watch," this room allows visitors to admire the painting in an ambiance that highlights its dramatic lighting and intricate details.

The Furniture and Interior Rooms: The museum houses an impressive array of furniture and interior rooms that offer a look into the domestic life and design of the past. Among these, the collection of dollhouses stands out, providing unique insights into Dutch interior design and daily life in the 17th and 18th centuries.

The Research Library: The library was established alongside the museum in the late 19th century. Over the years, it has grown to become the largest public art history research library in the Netherlands.

The Special Collections: From exquisitely crafted Delftware to historic weaponry and ornate dollhouses, these collections offer a glimpse into the Dutch way of life across centuries.

The Asian Pavilion: Dedicated to the museum's Asian artifacts, this space reflects the Netherlands' historical maritime connections and trade routes with Asia, presenting a curated selection of works that range from Japanese prints to intricate Indonesian carvings.

In this post I will focus on the Gallery of Honor and I will be combining information on the Night Watch Room in the Gallery of Honor. I will also touch a little bit on the Furniture and Interior Room and the Research Library.

Highlights of the Gallery of Honour and the Night Watch Room

The Gallery of Honour in the Rijksmuseum is a central artery of the museum, designed to lead visitors through a procession of masterpieces by the Dutch masters, culminating in the most celebrated room of all – the one housing Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch.” This grand corridor showcases master painters who have left an indelible mark on the world of art.

Here are my highlights in no particular order:

PAINTINGS BY REMBRANDT

"The Night Watch"

The centerpiece of the Gallery of Honor, and perhaps the Rijksmuseum's most famous painting, is Rembrandt's "The Night Watch." This painting is almost 400 years old, and when we were there in the summer off 2023, it is undergoing some sort of back protection replacement. To find suitable back protection, the painting is going through a vibration test to measure how air currents (air conditioning, etc) vibrate against the canvas. The contraption on the picture is the special laser set-up to measure the vibration. After the test is done and has been mapped, a suitable back protection can be chosen and will be applied to the back of the painting to minimize the movement of the canvas.

There is a copy of the Night Watch by Gerrit Lundens from the 17th century. The copy reveals that the original painting is much larger than what the museum has. The original painting was moved in 1715 to the Amsterdam Town Hall. The sides had to be cut down to fit between doors in its new location. They never found the original strips.

This monumental work is celebrated for its dynamic composition, dramatic use of light and shadow (chiaroscuro), and the way it captures a moment brimming with life. Unlike traditional militia group portraits of the time, which were typically static and formal, "The Night Watch" is charged with energy, depicting the company moving out, led by Captain Frans Banning Cocq and his lieutenant, Willem van Ruytenburch.

"The Jewish Bride"

"The Jewish Bride" exemplifies Rembrandt's mastery in portraying human emotions and relationships. The painting depicts a couple in a tender embrace, believed to be Isaac and Rebecca from the Bible. What makes this painting extraordinary, according to art connoisseurs, is the intimacy it conveys, a testament to Rembrandt's ability to capture the subtleties of human interaction. The rich, glowing colors and the gentle touch of the figures' hands are particularly noteworthy. I was particularly struck by the way the painting brought Isaac and Rebecca to life through its vibrant color palette. Everything else within the painting fades into the background, rendered in subdued tones.

“The Standard Bearer”

This painting was purchased by the Rijksmuseum in 2021 for €175 million with the help of the Dutch government! Wow!! Rembrandt created this piece as a showcase of his talent, aiming to attract a prestigious commission from the Amsterdam civic guard, considered one of the most esteemed acknowledgments an artist could receive in his area. Six years after finishing this painting, in 1636, Rembrandt successfully received the commission for "The Night Watch" (1642).

“Rembrandt’s Son Titus in a Monk’s Habit”

Rembrandt's Son Titus inn a Monk's Habit by Rembrandt.

Rembrandt depicted his son, Titus, as a Franciscan monk. Created around 1660, this work is celebrated for its emotional depth and the tender portrayal of Titus, who frequently served as his father's model. Here, again, his use of light and shadow is masterful highlighting the somber facial expression of Titus to convey an introspective expression.

PAINTINGS BY JOHANNES VERMEER

"The Milkmaid"

One of the most beloved pieces in the Rijksmuseum, "The Milkmaid." It exemplifies Johannes Vermeer's extraordinary ability to capture the beauty and dignity in everyday scenes. The painting is renowned for its exquisite use of light and shadow, which Vermeer manipulates to lend a palpable texture to the milkmaid's skin, the bread on the table, the wall, the floor, and the pouring milk. It's a quiet, contemplative piece, inviting us to find beauty in the mundane. I especially love the combination of colors on this painting. It invites me to study every aspect of the painting, including the little tea pot in a box on the floor. I found the texture of the wall, too, to be exquisite. I couldn’t stop admiring at the details on this painting!

"Woman Reading a Letter"

This painting is a testament to Vermeer's skill in creating serene, introspective moments. "Woman Reading a Letter" features a woman standing by a window, absorbed in a letter's contents. The composition, combined with Vermeer's signature play on light, makes this painting a mesmerizing study of quiet, domestic life. The exact content of the letter remains a mystery, making me wonder about different stories about the letter – is it a love letter?

“The Love Letter”

Painted around 1669-1670, this artwork portrays a domestic scene where a maid hands over a letter to a young woman, presumably containing a message from a lover. Vermeer's exquisite handling of color and light in this painting invites viewers into a private moment, allowing us, the viewers, to imagine different storylines about this moment.

“Young Woman Seated at a Virginal”

This is one of Vermeer’s final works before his death at age 43. This painting is part of a private collection at the Leiden Collection in New York, but it happened to be showing at the Rijksmuseum when I was there in the summer of 2023. It was loaned through October 2023. Even though it’s no longer at Rijksmuseum, it’s worth noting here because "as in many of his paintings, Vermeer demonstrates his skill in rendering textures and materials, from the gleaming surface of the musical instrument to the delicate fabrics of the woman's dress.”

PAINTINGS BY GERRIT ADRIAENSZ BERCKHEYDE

Gerrit Adriaensz Berckheyde was a celebrated Dutch Golden Age painter, renowned for his detailed and accurate depictions of urban scenes in the Netherlands.

“View of the Golden Bend in the Herengracht”

This is a 17th-century painting that captures a specific section of the Herengracht canal in Amsterdam, known as the Golden Bend (Gouden Bocht). This area, characterized by its grandiose and elegant canal houses, was the most prestigious address in Amsterdam during the Dutch Golden Age, reflecting the wealth and status of its inhabitants. Berckheyde's painting is notable for its precise depiction of the buildings along the Herengracht, showcasing the architectural details with great clarity. The artist's skillful use of perspective and light brings out the elegance of the canal houses.

“The ‘Golden Bend’ in the Herengracht, Amsterdam”

Like the “The View of the Golden Bend,” this painting vividly captures one of the most prestigious sections of the Herengracht canal, renowned for its elegant and opulent canal houses. This painting serves as a window into the 17th-century Dutch urban landscape, offering viewers a glimpse into the splendor of Amsterdam's golden era.

View of the Golden Bend in the Hrengracht

"The Golden Bend" in the Herengracht

“The Town Hall on Dam Square”

Another striking example of the artist's adeptness in capturing cityscapes with remarkable precision and clarity. This particular painting focuses on one of Amsterdam's most significant and recognizable landmarks: the Town Hall (now the Royal Palace) located on Dam Square, at the heart of the city.

PAINTINGS BY FRANS HALS

Frans Hals, a son of a weaver, began painting under Karel van Mander. In 1610, he became an independent artist. According to the Rijksmuseum, Hals is “Extraordinarily productive, innovative, entertaining and a little rough around the edges: Frans Hals was one of a handful of painters who defined the 17th century. His distinctive, freewheeling style of painting became so influential that it’s easy to forget that he was its founder.”

“Portrait of Feyntje van Steenskiste”

This painting captures Feyntje van Steenskiste, a member of the Dutch aristocracy from the textile industry. The portrait is noted for its detailed depiction of van Steenskiste's attire, a reflection of her Mennonite faith, and the engaging directness of her gaze.

“The Merry Drinker”

The painting depicts a jovial man raising a glass, inviting the viewer to share in his mirth. This work exemplifies Hals's mastery in rendering expressions and movements, capturing a moment of unguarded joy with great technical skill and emotional depth.

OTHER NOTABLE PAINTINGS

“Self Portrait” by Vincent Van Gogh

After relocating to Paris in 1886, inspired by the new vibrant style of French painting, Van Gogh experimented with this new approach in numerous self-portraits. He employed dynamic, rhythmic brushstrokes and bold, vivid colors. He used himself as the model to avoid paying for one.

“La Cornich near Monaco” by Claude Monet

Painted during Monet's time on the French Riviera in 1884, this artwork showcases the rugged landscape and the sea from a high vantage point on the Corniche roads. Monet's mastery in conveying the play of light and shadow, along with his vibrant color palette, brings to life the luminous quality of the Mediterranean environment. This painting was given to the museum in early 1900’s when Monet was still relatively unknown.

“The Threatened Swan” by Jan Asselijn

The painting was the first purchased the museum made in 1800. The decision to make this painting the museum's first purchase was driven by both its artistic quality and the symbolic layers it contained, which resonated deeply with the Dutch during that time. Historically, it has been interpreted as an allegory for the Dutch Republic, with the swan representing the country's resilience in protecting its values and independence from external threats. This interpretation aligns with the period's political and social contexts, making the painting a powerful emblem of national pride and identity. Outside of its symbolism, the realism of the swan and its aggressive posture, and the skillful depiction of water and landscape, in my opinion, should be celebrated.

The Rijksmuseum Research Library

The collection's focus is on the history of Western art, mirroring the museum's emphasis on Dutch art and history, and it extends to cover a wide range of topics related to the museum’s collections.

The library boasts a vast collection of over 400,000 volumes, including books, periodicals, catalogues, and archival materials. It encompasses a wide range of subjects from sculpture and painting to decorative arts and history. The collection is not just limited to Dutch art but includes significant works from across the globe.

As you can see from the picture, the library's interior is regarded as one of the most beautiful library spaces in the world. Its reading room is a blend of historical charm and functional elegance. The room is crowned with a high, vaulted ceiling and lined with multi-tiered, dark wood bookcases, creating an atmosphere that is both grand and scholarly. Natural light pours in through tall arched windows, illuminating the space and the rows of reading tables below.

The symmetry of the space was so pleasing to my eyes.

The library is open to the public, making it accessible not just to researchers but to anyone with an interest in art history. Visitors can browse the open shelves or request specific titles from the closed stacks. The library also provides online access to its catalog, enabling remote research and exploration of its collection.

Furniture and Interior Rooms

The museum's collection of furniture and interior rooms spans several centuries, showcasing the evolution of Dutch design and craftsmanship. This collection includes pieces ranging from elaborately carved oak cabinets and intricately inlaid marquetry tables to sumptuous upholstered chairs and refined silverware. Each piece offers a window into the lives of its users, reflecting the social and cultural contexts in which they were created.

Cabinet from the 16th Century. Rijksmuseum. — *Cabinet. Augsburg c 1660-1670. Cabinets from Augsburg, a center for manufacturing luxurious cabinets, were exported throughout Europe.*

The Dollhouses

Among my highlights of the furniture and interior collection are the historic dollhouses. These dollhouses were crafted with astonishing detail and accuracy, serving as status symbols for wealthy Dutch women and as showcases for miniature artisanship. The dollhouses provide a fascinating glimpse into the domestic interiors of the past, complete with miniature furniture, silverware, ceramics, and textiles, all meticulously crafted to mirror their full-sized counterparts.

One of the most famous dollhouses in the Rijksmuseum's collection belonged to Petronella Oortman, a wealthy Amsterdam lady of the 17th century. This dollhouse is renowned for its extraordinary level of detail and the high cost of its creation, which was equivalent to the price of a real canal house in Amsterdam at the time!! The Oortman Dollhouse features fully furnished rooms, hand-painted porcelain dishes, and even miniature paintings, making it a remarkable example of miniature art and craftsmanship.

The dollhouses are inspiring me to fantasize about my own dollhouses - which I have yet to start. 😊

In the meantime, while I continue to fantasize about these dollhouses, Happy Travels!

Zellie, your forever a traveler.

Amsterdam: Museumplein and the Rijksmuseum