Rijksmuseum View Apartments

The first acquisition the museum ever made is well worth tracking down, and it stands out once you know what to look for. I also loved a set of amber decorations that lots of people seem to walk straight past. The upper galleries are split around the middle, so expect plenty of stairs; Dutch Masters dominate, with a few especially striking works among more thematic displays. There’s also an arms section and some lovely small objects, including jewellery, tucked away on the ground floor. The café gets busy, but the food and service are great. Gluten-free choices are limited, while vegans should be okay. Staff were responsive, and I had a good visit.

I went on a Monday at around 10 a.m. and found it quiet, with no queue at either the entrance or ticket desk. There’s a lot here, from art to historical objects, and I enjoyed wandering through the exhibits. I’d set aside several hours.

There’s much more inside than paintings: old furniture, jewellery, clothing, weapons, ship models and everyday objects from centuries ago, along with dollhouses and Delft blue pottery. You can also see works by Vincent van Gogh, The Milkmaid by Johannes Vermeer and Rembrandt van Rijn’s The Night Watch. The Gallery of Honour brings many well-known paintings together in one long space, and some rooms recreate old Dutch homes. The building itself is beautiful and the museum covers Dutch art and history. It’s large, so allow about 2-4 hours. There’s a café and a gift shop with books and souvenirs. Adult tickets are usually around €25, and entry is free for under-18s. There’s plenty to interest people beyond the famous artworks.

Reservations are mandatory, so book ahead. I loved the paintings, especially River view by Moonlight, and they inspired me to pursue art. The museum also has a picnic room where you can draw and colour using props they provide. We adults had fun with it alongside the kids, and we were lucky to catch the folklore group performance too. Of all the museums I’ve visited around Europe, this is my favourite. Must visit, love it!