The Rijksmuseum Amsterdam: Is it all it's cracked up to be?
Written: Mar 09 '09 (Updated Mar 10 '09)
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Pros: The most comprehensive collection pertaining to the Netherlands' art and history.
Cons: Massive renovations under way until 2012-13. Only the Philips Wing is open, showcasing_17th Century "Masterpieces."
The Bottom Line: The State Museum (Rijksmuseum) has the largest collection of works from the Dutch Golden Age, to include Rembrandt and Vermeer. When it reopens, it promises to be better than ever.
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| reginafug's Full Review: Amsterdam Museums |
When visiting Amsterdam, one of Europe's most exciting cities, the options are boundless for the first-time or return visitor. To begin with, there are almost as many canals as the city of Venice, and it's impossible to see them all. There are historic buildings and churches throughout the city, and you'll want to see some of them.
Then, there are more than 40 museums in the city, so the visitor must select carefully, as visiting a museum is time- consuming, and some of the museums (very few) in Amsterdam, in my opinion, are not worth a minute of anybody's time! Where does one begin?
The Rijksmuseum (State Museum)
If Dutch art and history interests you, then you should not miss the Rijksmuseum. Considered as one of the greatest art museums in Europe, the museum showcases the Dutch Golden Age and works by Dutch masters such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Frans Hals.
Located on the Museumplein, the museum is devoted to the arts and crafts of the 17th century, the Netherland's history, and showcases a considerable collection of paintings from the Dutch Golden Age.
A large area is dedicated to a collection of Asian art, perhaps because it was the blue Chinese porcelain, brought over by the V.O.C (East India Company) that heavily influenced the Dutch Golden Age (think Delft porcelain).
The Dutch Golden Age
At least five million pictures were painted in the Netherlands during the 17th century, and the rise of an opulent middle class, known as "burghers," resulted in a growing demand for paintings. Unlike surrounding countries, the Dutch Republic was run by its burghers, and as the Dutch economy grew, prosperity increased, and the burghers became even more powerful. The Masters constantly painted at the request of the burghers, and typically these masterpieces were displayed in most homes.
As Dutch dominance and wealth decreased, many of the treasures found in the "burghers" homes had to be sold to pay debts, and as a result, the State would end up owning many pieces of art, and the warehouses became informal museums.
The Rijksmuseum - modern day
The Rijksmuseum, founded by Louis Bonaparte (Napoleon's brother) prides itself in being one of the largest museums in the Netherlands containing an impressive collection of 17th century Dutch masters. The museum houses one million objects of art, twenty Rembrandts, and several Vermeer, and Frans Hals.
The main building is currently under renovation, and completion is not expected until 2012-13.
The Museum is currently displaying the very best of its permanent collection in the newly refurbished Philips Wing. The exhibition is called "The Masterpieces" offering visitors the rare opportunity to view highlights of the Golden Age's period of wealth, all gathered in one place.
"The Masterpieces" include the following themes:
The Dutch Republic - learn how the Netherlands develops into a world colonial empire and emerges as a centre of international finance and a cultural capital of Europe.
World Power - The VOC (East India Company) emerges as a dominating business entity. You'll see paintings, artifacts (Asian artifacts), ship models, weapons such as cannons, swords and daggers. The paintings and drawings on display depict this period of dominance.
Rembrandt - The Golden Age most sought-after artist. "The Night Watch" and "The Jewish Bride" are particularly stunning, but such is their fame that there are always many visitors wanting to see these paintings. The other 18 paintings on display are just as beautiful!
Vermeer - on display you'll see:
~ The Milkmaid
~ The Love Letter
~ Woman in Blue
~ Reading a Letter
~ The Little Street.
However, don't look for "The Girl with the Pearl Earring" at this museum, as she is found in The Mauritshuis in The Hague!
Exhibit Signs/Text and Information
All the exhibits on permanent display are accompanied by text boards providing basic background information in Dutch and English. Some signs are more extensive for specific exhibits.
In some cases, depending on the piece, laminated cards have been prepared, pointing out to different things (hidden meanings) one should be noticing about the piece. "The Night Watch" is one example, but I couldn't find one available, as such were the crowds in the room
As you enter each room in the Philips Wings, high up on the walls, with massive letters, you'll see a brief explanation of the theme you are about to explore.
Museum's Website
The museum's website (http://www.rijkmuseum.nl) has a wonderful interactive website, where you can learn in advance about what you'll be seeing. I didn't see this until a few days after my visit, but it was still interesting to navigate through this well-designed websited.
Museum Information
Ticket prices 2009:
Adults: € 11, 00 - 18 years of age and under: free
Audio Tours: € 5,00
Museumcard holders:
Free admission
Museum Hours:
Every day from 9:00 to 18:00, on Fridays from 9:00 to 20:30
Closed 1 January
Special Exhibit at Schipol Airport (FREE Admission)
A special exhibition called "Holland & Japan: 400 Years of Trade" will be on display from January 11 to May 25, 2009. The exhibit marks the 400th anniversary of commercial ties between Japan and the Netherlands. Make time to see this one!
Conclusion
Impressively large, the building itself is perhaps one of the most beautiful in the city, and the visitor ought to pay attention to the rich architectural style. The gardens appear to be quite beautiful and well-cared for, noticeable even in the dead of winter.
Although the Philips Wing represents only a small portion of the Rijksmuseum, the exhibition is well laid-out, and the different themes seem to flow nicely.
"The Masterpieces" deserve at least a couple of hours of your time, which you'll definitely need just trying to negotiate the crowds. You must be patient if you want to see everything. The rooms and halls are very crowded, and the cacophony of guides speaking in several languages, as well as the visitors is truly overwhelming.
In the end, I grew weary fighting the crowds, and left the building, hoping that perhaps I could return on another visit. I was satisfied; however, as I feel that I saw the most important components of the exhibition.
Having visited this past February, during a school Winter break, could have been the reason why it was so crowded; I can't imagine how crowded it will get during the high season.
To avoid queuing up to get a ticket, purchase your ticket online and advance to the front of the line when you get there. The painful part was paying €11, 00, which I thought was steep, considering visitors are only seeing about 30% of the museum and its treasures, but I'll admit that what's on display is truly beautiful.
Was it worth the effort and time? Absolutely! This museum lives up to its reputation of being one of the finest. I couldn't believe how much I learned about Dutch history in less than two hours, more than I ever learned in one of my European history courses!
If time permits, go during the week (avoid weekends), preferably in the late afternoon, when the crowds are diminishing. Most tourist groups arrive as soon as the museum opens and stay through midday.
Enjoy!
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Singles
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
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