Rijksmuseum Tour: A Guided Crash Course

Survey the major artworks of the Dutch Golden Age
From US$138 for 1 person
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Tour Details
Duration
2.5 hours
Product Type
Tour
Venues
  • Rijksmuseum
  • Rembrandt's The Nightwatch
Photos & Highlights
  • Explore Golden Age paintings in the company of an art historian or expert
  • Includes skip the line tickets to the Rijksmuseum
Select a date
Tour Description
On this 2.5-hour Rijksmuseum tour with skip-the-line tickets, we’ll explore the treasures in one of the world’s greatest museums accompanied by an expert in art history. We'll stop to view many of the famous Old Masters, including Rembrandt and Vermeer, as well as lesser-known artists. Along the way, we’ll form a view of Dutch life through the lens of its great artistic figures, making this a perfect tour for both fine arts connoisseurs and those interested in a holistic view of Amsterdam's cultural and artistic development.

  • Rijksmuseum (interior and exterior) 
  • Skip-the-line tickets to the Rijksmuseum
  • Viewing of Rembrandt's The Night Watch
  • 2.5 hours with an art historian
We’ll begin our tour discussing how art became a prominent part of the Netherlands’ culture as trade and exploration bloomed and the nation became a world power. In a bustling central room of the redesigned Rijksmuseum, we’ll gaze up for ourselves at Rembrandt’s masterwork: The Night Watch. The space is dedicated to this famous painting, which is crucial to any discussion of Amsterdam in the 17th century.

Depending on our guide and interests, we may choose to explore in any number of directions. We will view and discuss more works by Rembrandt, as well as other Dutch masters of the 17th century, such as Vermeer, Steen, and Ruisdael. But, we'll also take time to step away from the crowds in these popular galleries to look at the works of more obscure artists. These less-trafficked rooms are carefully curated to show off the scope of Dutch art over past centuries, illuminating how artworks were collected and valued, and how everyday life was portrayed in painting. The Rijksmuseum also boasts a fantastic collection of furniture and other objects that provide many clues to Dutch traditions and European society of the time. Regardless of our route, we’ll emerge from our time together with a deeper understanding and appreciation of Dutch history and art.

Families traveling to Amsterdam may want to consider our Rijksmuseum Tour for Kids. Or, for more artistic explorations in Amsterdam, we recommend our Rembrandt in Amsterdam Tour and our Dutch Golden Age Tour
Does this tour "skip-the-line?"
Yes.  We will purchase tickets in advance so we may enter the museum as quickly as possible. Tickets for the Rijksmuseum are not timed and are valid for the whole day, so you may exit and enter as many times as you like.

Does this tour include any current temporary exhibitions?
The tour visits the Rijksmuseum's permanent collection. We do not currently offer the option to visit temporary exhibitions with our expert. 

Is this suitable for travelers with mobility challenges? 
We cover quite a bit of ground on this tour, although in some cases we may be able to adjust the itinerary based on the needs of your party. Please get in touch with us so we can advise if this itinerary will be appropriate for you or propose modifications where necessary.
Where You'll Start
375 Reviews (4.79)

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Fantastic - knowledgeable, charming and entertaining. A perfect way to see a world class museum.
Ralph was honest, personal and animated about the works and context which gave us great insights and was appreciated by the teenagers. They learned all sorts from painting techniques to the subtleties of the art world then and now!
Maia was fantastic! Five stars for sure. She was incredible and we enjoyed the tour immensely.

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Get to know one of the art historians leading this tour

Meet Federica