Rijksmuseum

What can you expect inside the museum?

Inside the Rijksmuseum, the layout is designed to guide visitors naturally from the central atrium to four main floors of art and history. Each level focuses on a different time period or type of collection, making it easy to choose what you want to see—even if you only have an hour. The museum is spacious, well-signed and built around a central axis, so you never feel lost.

Here are the key areas and what you’ll find in each:

• Second Floor (Dutch Golden Age)
  This is the most famous part of the Rijksmuseum. Here you’ll find Rembrandt’s Night Watch, Vermeer’s masterpieces, the Gallery of Honour, and major 17th-century works. This is where most visitors begin.
• First Floor (18th–19th Century Art)
  This floor includes the Cuypers Library, decorative arts, period rooms and works from the Napoleonic era. You’ll also see Pieneman’s Battle of Waterloo and a large collection of portraits and sculptures.
• Ground Floor (Middle Ages & Renaissance)
  This area showcases medieval altarpieces, early Dutch paintings, religious sculptures, and beautiful objects like stained glass and intricate carvings. It’s quieter but rich in atmosphere.
• Lower Level (Special Exhibitions & Asian Pavilion)
  Downstairs you'll find temporary exhibitions and the Asian art collections. The Asian Pavilion includes pieces from China, Japan, Indonesia and India, displayed in a modern, light-filled space.
• Special rooms and experiences
  • Cuypers Library – the oldest art history library in the Netherlands
  • Delftware Rooms – iconic blue-and-white ceramics
  • Maritime Galleries – ship models and naval artifacts
  • Sculpture Gardens (outside) – free access, open in good weather

Highlights

• The Night Watch – Rembrandt van Rijn
• The Milkmaid – Johannes Vermeer
• Woman in Blue Reading a Letter – Johannes Vermeer
• The Jewish Bride – Rembrandt van Rijn
• Syndics of the Drapers’ Guild – Rembrandt van Rijn
• The Threatened Swan – Jan Asselijn
• The Merry Family – Jan Steen
• The Battle of Waterloo – Jan Willem Pieneman
• Self-Portrait – Vincent van Gogh (small but a visitor favourite)

How do you enter the museum?

Entering the Rijksmuseum is straightforward once you know the steps. This compact guide explains exactly what happens before you step inside — from finding the right entrance to using the lockers.

Step 1: Getting there

The Rijksmuseum is located on Museumplein and easy to reach by tram 2 or 12 or metro. It might be confusing, but the entrance to the museum is actually inside the big tunnel that goes from the yard-side of the Museumplein to the Leidseplein. Follow signs for “Rijksmuseum” or “Ingang Museumstraat.” 

Step 2: Finding the correct entrance

Under the archway, you’ll see two glass entrances: one on the left and one on the right. Both lead inside.

Be aware: you need a ticket before entering!

Use these Dutch words to orient yourself:

• Ingang = Entrance
• Entree = Entry
• Uitgang = Exit
  Crowds are often divided into lines for Online tickets, Time slots, and Kassa (ticket desk).

Step 3: Tickets and time slots

The Rijksmuseum requires a time-slot reservation, even if you have a I Amsterdam Card. Keep your QR-code ready on your phone.

Step 4: Security check

Before entry, staff may ask to check your bag (“Tassencontrole”). Large suitcases aren’t allowed. Backpacks may need to be worn on your front or placed inside a locker.

Step 5: Lockers and cloakroom

Once inside, you’ll find free kluisjes (lockers) downstairs. These are digital: choose a pin code and remember your locker number. Coats, umbrellas and bigger bags must be stored.

Step 6: Accessibility

The Rijksmuseum is fully wheelchair accessible. Look for “Rolstoel ingang” or ask staff for directions. The main elevators (“Lift”) are located near the atrium.

Step 7: Scanning your ticket

At the internal entrance gates, scan your QR-code and wait for the green light. Staff will direct you towards the start of the galleries.