10 Fascinating Facts About the Rijksmuseum
The most surprising fact about the Rijksmuseum is that it's the only museum in the world with a public road running through its centre. Originally designed by architect Pierre Cuypers as a grand city gate, this passage was open to all traffic until 1931 and remains a beloved thoroughfare for thousands of cyclists and pedestrians every day, connecting central Amsterdam with the Museum Quarter.
1. It wasn't always in Amsterdam
The Rijksmuseum was originally founded in The Hague on November 19, 1798, as the National Art Gallery (Nationale Kunst-Galerij). It moved to Amsterdam in 1808 under the orders of King Louis Bonaparte, Napoleon's brother, and was first housed in the Royal Palace on Dam Square before eventually settling in its current purpose-built home in 1885.
2. Its design was highly controversial
Architect Pierre Cuypers designed the building in a historicist style, blending Gothic and Renaissance elements. However, his design was heavily criticised at the time, particularly by the Protestant King William III. The King allegedly disliked the neo-Gothic flourishes so much that he called it a "cathedral" and refused to attend the opening in 1885.
3. Only a fraction of its collection is on display
The Rijksmuseum's total collection comprises a staggering 1 million objects, spanning 800 years of Dutch art and history. However, due to space constraints, only about 8,000 objects are on display at any given time across the museum's 80 galleries.
4. The museum is built on 8,000 wooden piles
Like many historic buildings in Amsterdam, which is built on marshy ground, the Rijksmuseum rests on a foundation of thousands of wooden piles. To support the massive structure, more than 8,000 piles were driven deep into the ground to provide a stable base.
5. 'The Night Watch' is not its real name (and it was bigger)
Rembrandt's most famous work is officially titled Militia Company of District II under the Command of Captain Frans Banninck Cocq. The nickname 'The Night Watch' came much later, after the varnish had darkened, making the scene appear nocturnal. In 1715, the canvas was trimmed on all four sides to fit between two doors in Amsterdam's Town Hall, losing significant portions, especially on the left side.
6. It has a Michelin-starred restaurant
Located in the Philips Wing, the Rijksmuseum is home to RIJKS®, a restaurant that was awarded a Michelin star in 2016. Led by executive chef Joris Bijdendijk, the restaurant focuses on 'Cuisine of the Low Countries', using local Dutch ingredients influenced by international flavours from Dutch history.
7. The first painting ever purchased is a national symbol
The first acquisition made by the museum's predecessor in 1800 was The Threatened Swan by Jan Asselijn. The painting, depicting a swan fiercely defending its nest, was later interpreted as a political allegory for Dutch resistance and remains one of the museum's top attractions.
8. There's a secret escape hatch for its most famous painting
The Night Watch Gallery has a special feature for emergencies. A slot was cut into the floor in 1934, creating a trapdoor directly beneath the painting. This allows the enormous canvas to be quickly and safely lowered out of the gallery in the event of a fire or other disaster.
9. It houses the Netherlands' largest art history library
The stunning Cuypers Library is the oldest and largest art history research library in the Netherlands. Established in 1885, its collection includes around 450,000 objects and is open to students, art historians, and the public. Visitors can admire its beautiful four-storey reading room from a viewing gallery.
10. You can cycle right through the middle of it
The famous central passage is a public thoroughfare, unique in the museum world. When the city provided the land for the museum in the 1880s, it stipulated that a public passage must be included. After being closed to cars in 1931, it reopened to cyclists and pedestrians after the museum's major renovation in 2013, making it one of the most iconic bike paths in the world.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Rijksmuseum most famous for?
The Rijksmuseum is most famous for its unparalleled collection of Dutch Golden Age masterpieces, particularly Rembrandt's monumental painting, The Night Watch. The museum itself, designed by Pierre Cuypers, is one of the most iconic buildings in Amsterdam.
How many Rembrandts are in the Rijksmuseum?
The Rijksmuseum holds the world's largest collection of Rembrandt's paintings. The collection includes 20 paintings by the master, including The Night Watch, The Jewish Bride, and several self-portraits.
Can you really ride a bike through the Rijksmuseum?
Yes, a public cycle path and pedestrian walkway runs directly through a passage in the centre of the Rijksmuseum building. This unique feature was a condition set by the city of Amsterdam when the museum was built in the 19th century.
Ready to discover these wonders for yourself? You can easily book tickets online to secure your spot and explore 800 years of Dutch art and history.