Amsterdam never fails to amaze its visitors, but the city may surely overwhelm you when it comes to crafting a tour itinerary. Note that there is countless number of attractions in this enchanting city that caters to the requirements of almost every visitor. So, it will be really hard to you to shortlist a few options. If you are also facing such a predicament, there are some high-end attractions in the Dutch capital that you must never miss out. Some of those highlights include the picturesque canal belt, tulip gardens, dancing houses, and the treasured museums, etc. When it comes to the museums, one of the most popular options that feature an inimitable range of artwork collection is the Rijksmuseum. In fact, including a Rijksmuseum tour in your itinerary will be a great idea whether you are planning a short trip or you intend to stay in Amsterdam for a few days.
Rijksmuseum is the largest museum in the Netherlands and it houses a celebrated collection of sculptures, paintings, and artifacts that ranges from the medieval period to the 21st century. Even though there are more than 2000 paintings in the museum that belongs to the Dutch Golden age, the museum exhibits a range of modern paintings and artworks as well. On a related note, the Philips wing, which is the latest addition to this mammoth museum, is solely dedicated to modern exhibits such as contemporary art movements, styles, photography, etc. Additionally, there is a gallery in the Philips wing that exhibits a number of 20th-century historical objects and artifacts on display. Some of those popular exhibits include unique sculptures, FK 23 Bantam Plan, furniture pieces, etc.
Furthermore, the museum houses the largest library in the Netherlands and it is open to the public. Anyhow, if you are visiting the Rijksmuseum for the first time, you are likely to have a number of doubts in your mind. After all, you are stepping into the largest museum in the Netherlands and it can be quite a daunting experience if you don’t plan things well. In order to help you out with this, below are some of the frequently asked questions about the Rijksmuseum. You may refer to this to plan your Rijksmuseum tour efficiently to make the best out of your trip.
What is the opening and closing time of the Rijksmuseum?
The museum is open 365 days a year from 09:00 am to 05:00 pm. That is, unlike most other museums and national monuments in the city, Rijksmuseum will be accessible to the public even on the national holidays such as Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Boxing Day, etc. Teenagers aged 18 and below can explore this fascinating museum for free of cost. Similarly, the entry to the Rijksmuseum is free for the friends of Rijksmuseum and the visitors who hold Museumkaart, I Amsterdam city card, Stadspas, BankGiro VIP card, and members of the Rembrandt Association, ICOM, ICOMOS, KOG, and VVAK. In this case, you can simply walk straight into this amazing museum without going past the crowded ticket counters.
How long will it take to purchase the museum tickets at the counter?
If you wondering about how to purchase Rijksmuseum tickets, you can either purchase it at the ticket counter here or you may purchase it online. It is to be noted that the latter option will be ideal to skip the long queues. You can purchase your museum ticket at some hotels as well. However, if you prefer to go with the former option, you are expected to stand in the queue for approximately 30minutes or more to purchase your museum tickets during the busiest months. On a related note, the museum will be extremely crowded during the months of April, May, and August. If you are looking forward to contemplating your favorite artworks peacefully, the best time will be before 10:00 am and after 03:00 pm.
Does the museum offer any special facilities for physically challenged people?
Rijksmuseum tends to offer special facilities to visitors with disabilities. Some of those facilities include lifts, wheelchair accessible museum galleries, etc. Note that the number of wheelchairs available in the museum is limited. Hence, it is recommended to inquire about the same at the ticket counter or the information desk. You can also bring rollators, electric or Segway wheelchairs, and other small-scale mobility aids to cater to the requirements of physically challenged visitors in your group. Some people tend to rely on a walking stick, crutches, or walking frames for their mobility. In this case, make sure that your mobility aid does not have any pointed edges. Additionally, mobility scooters are not permitted inside the museum premises. Furthermore, visitors who cannot navigate the museum on their own can accompany a person for free of cost.
Does the museum offer locker facilities?
Of course, you will have to carry a backpack on your Amsterdam tours to keep your essential stuff such as umbrella, wallet, camera, phone, chargers, etc. However, backpacks are not permitted inside the museum. If the size of your handbag is less than that of an A4 sheet, you can keep it with you. Otherwise, the museum authorities offer cloakroom/locker facilities to keep your belongings safe while you explore this giant museum. There is a separate cloakroom for tourist groups as well. Note that you cannot keep your folding bikes, travel luggage, skateboards, musical instruments, etc., in the locker rooms. So, make sure to avoid carrying them on your Rijksmuseum private tours.