Rijksmuseum Amsterdam

While the Rijksmuseum is right across the departure point, it is obvious that I have to tell you a little bit about it. I like to build my blogs up in three sections, I will start with a little bit of history about the location. Then I will tell you my experience of the location. And finally, I will go in what you will find in the location what you might want to know. For instance, prices, current events, location etc…

History
From the website of the Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum first opened its doors in 1800 under the name ‘Nationale Kunstgalerij’. At the time, it was housed in Huis ten Bosch in The Hague. The collection mainly comprised paintings and historical objects. In 1808, the museum moved to the new capital city of Amsterdam, where it was based in the Royal Palace on Dam Square.

After King Willem I’s accession to the throne, the paintings and national print collection were moved to the Trippenhuis on Kloveniersburgwal, while the other objects were returned to The Hague. The current building was put into use in 1885. The Netherlands Museum for History and Art based in The Hague moved into the same premises, forming what would later become the departments of Dutch History and Sculpture & Applied Art.

The Trippenhuis proved unsuitable as a museum. Furthermore, many people thought it time to establish a dedicated national museum building in the Netherlands. Work on a new building did not commence until 1876, after many years of debate. The architect, Pierre Cuypers, had drawn up a historic design for the Rijksmuseum, which combined the Gothic and the Renaissance styles. The design was not generally well-received; people considered it too mediaeval and not Dutch enough. The official opening took place in 1885.

The most recent renovation reinstated the original Cuypers structure. The building work in the courtyards were removed. Paintings, applied art and history are no longer displayed in separate parts of the building, but form a single chronological circuit that tells the story of Dutch art and history.

The building was thoroughly modernized, while at the same time restoring more of Cuypers original interior designs: the Rijksmuseum has dubbed the venture ‘Verder met Cuypers‘ [Continuing with Cuypers]. The Rijksmuseum is now a dazzling new museum able to satisfy the needs of its 21st-century visitors!

My personal experience!

I have visited the Rijksmuseum many times from when I was a kid. Although when I was a kid it was more that I had to instead of wanted to. But later when history got more and more my hobby, it is now a feast for me to go. I do have to be honest not all expositions have my interest. I really like the history of our city and country.

But the set up is really nice, easy to go through. And there many spots to sit for a moment to let it all in. I can definitely recommend the show piece which is a huge painting by Rembrandt called the Night Watch (Nachtwacht). Th e finesse of the painting is amazing, such beautiful details. And if you are there use the audio tour to discover more about all the paintings. With a witty and nice description, you will learn about the history of the painting, the community of the date of the painting.

At the beginning of this blog I posted about the history of the building. In my eyes one of the most intriguing buildings in Amsterdam. I don’t know if you noticed but I looks quit a bit as our Central Station. That is because it was design by the same Architect.

Is everything great? No there a few things that I am a bit disappointed with. First of all due to their success it is most of the time very busy. I wouldn’t advice the restaurant for lunch or dinner. It is not the best food. I don’t mean there is anything wrong with the quality. But it is just not very exciting or surprising. Then I would say go to one of the many nice restaurants in the neighborhood.

Why should you visit it?

The museum really gives you insights of Dutch culture. They have amazing expositions and the building itself is amazing as well. And it is right at our departing point.

What does the museum cost:
Adults: € 20.00 (online € 19,00)
Children aged 18 and under: free admission
I Amsterdam City Card: free admission

Where is it located:
Museumstraat 1.
www.rijksmuseum.nl/en

Openings hours:
Daily from 9am till 5pm
Be advised due the Corona Virus, they are currently closed till april 6th (20-03-2020)