Rijksmuseum Tour: A Guided Crash Course

Survey the major artworks of the Dutch Golden Age

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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 pre-purchased tickets to the Rijksmuseum
Select a date
Tour Description
On this 2.5-hour Rijksmuseum private tour, you’ll explore the treasures in one of the world’s greatest museums accompanied by an expert in art history. You'll stop to view many of the famous Old Masters, including Rembrandt and Vermeer, as well as lesser-known artists. Along the way, you’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. 

Experts
Vita Vita
Artist
Anita Anita
Art Historian
Henk Henk
Economist
Gemma Gemma
Historian
Iris Iris
Historian
Timea Andrea Timea Andrea
Art Historian
Alette Alette
Art Historian
Tanja Tanja
Art Mediator, Artist
Eric Eric
Artist and Educator
Jurgen Jurgen
Historian
Timm Timm
Art Historian, Historian
Marko Marko
Art Historian, Musician
Anna Anna
Art Historian, Curator
Maja Maja
Art Historian, Curator
Romy Romy
Art HIstorian
Sabry Sabry
Art Historian
Tea Tea
Art Historian
Lora Lora
Art Historian, Curator
Agnès Agnès
Art Historian
Holly Holly
Storyteller
Josje Josje
Artist
Roser Roser
Art Historian
Marjorie Marjorie
Art Historian & Educator
Maria Maria
Art Historian
  • Rijksmuseum (interior and exterior) 
  • Pre-purchased tickets to the Rijksmuseum
  • Viewing of Rembrandt's The Night Watch
  • 2.5 hours with an art historian
You'll begin your 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 the bustling central room of the redesigned Rijksmuseum, you will have the opportunity to gaze upon 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 your guide and interests, you may choose to explore in any number of directions. You 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, you'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 your route, you’ll emerge from your time with a deeper understanding and appreciation of Dutch history and art.

Families traveling to Amsterdam may want to consider our Rijksmuseum Tour for Kids. For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, we recommend our Rembrandt in Amsterdam Tour and our Dutch Golden Age Tour
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
Map of Rijksmuseum Tour: A Guided Crash Course general meeting point area
(4.85) 590 Reviews

Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.

He was informed and informative. Unfortunately we saw other guides within the museum who were providing better information, using iPads with examples of other paintings and styles, and conducting what sounded like more informative in-depth tours. I recall a tour of the Uffizi with one of your guides (a woman from the US, with an art history degree from Columbia) that was a much more informed and in-depth experiance, this tour did not match that standard.
Dear Context Travel, I'm writing to express our appreciation of the outstanding tour of the Rijksmuseum given by Lora Sariaslan on Tuesday, April 7th. As docents at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, we were hoping for a guide who'd provide the kind of historical background and art history context that might inform our own talks about similar works in the Met's Netherlandish and Dutch collections. Lora gave us that and so much more. She was brilliant, kind, friendly, funny, unpretentious, interesting, and stupendously well-informed and engaging. We came away with a deeper understanding of the social, political, and economic factors that influenced these amazing artists and produced such iconic masterpieces. Only an art historian with Lora's scholarship and expertise could have woven this story together so seamlessly. Her whole presentation was interactive, infused with humor and insights into the lives of the artists and the culture in which they worked. The time sped by, but remains for all of us one of the most memorable experiences of our stay in Amsterdam. Lora Sariaslan is a great asset to Context. This is the third European city in which we've relied on your tours for in-depth art appreciation and, once again, we were extremely pleased. Sincerely, Sheila LaLima
She was brilliant - loved every minute

See the Rijksmuseum with Context

Get to know one of the art historians leading this tour

Secure Your Rijksmuseum Tickets: Immerse Yourself in Dutch Masterpieces with a Local Expert

Embark on a captivating journey through Dutch art and history with our Rijksmuseum tickets. Immerse yourself in the beauty and significance of the Netherlands' cultural heritage as our expert guides lead you through this iconic museum.

Skip the lines and dive straight into the heart of the Rijksmuseum, home to masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and other renowned Dutch artists. Our tours ensure an intimate and personalized experience, allowing you to explore the museum's treasures at your own pace.

Gain valuable insights into Amsterdam's vibrant culture with our related blog article on 36 hours in Amsterdam, which offers tips and recommendations for an unforgettable visit to the city. Before you go, don't miss our online lecture on the must-see highlights of the Rijksmuseum, providing valuable context and background information on its most famous works. 

Book your Rijksmuseum tickets today and discover the beauty and brilliance of Dutch art.