Rijksmuseum

Founded in 1798 in The Hague, the Rijksmuseum moved to Amsterdam in 1808 by order of King Louis Bonaparte, who initially housed the collection in the Royal Palace on Dam Square. The current iconic building, designed by architect Pierre Cuypers, opened its doors in 1885. Cuypers' design was a bold blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles, which was initially controversial for being perceived as too Catholic for a Protestant nation, yet it eventually became a definitive symbol of Dutch national identity. The museum underwent a massive ten-year renovation starting in 2003, led by Spanish architects Cruz y Ortiz. The goal was to restore Cuypers' original vision while modernizing the facilities for the 21st century. This 'New Rijksmuseum' was inaugurated in 2013 by Queen Beatrix, successfully integrating a stunning glass-roofed atrium and reopening the famous bicycle passage that runs through the heart of the building. Today, the Rijksmuseum stands as the national museum of the Netherlands, housing over 8,000 objects across 80 galleries. It tells the story of 800 years of Dutch history and art, from the Middle Ages to the present day. Its crown jewel is the Gallery of Honour, which leads visitors directly to Rembrandt’s monumental masterpiece, 'The Night Watch,' serving as a testament to the Dutch Golden Age's global influence.