Rembrandt House Museum: Unveiling Masterpieces & History

Amsterdam, known for its rich history and lively culture, is home to the remarkable Rembrandt House Museum (Museum Het Rembrandthuis). The Rembrandt House Museum is a unique destination that showcases the life and works of the famous Dutch painter Rembrandt van Rijn. The museum allows visitors to step back and experience life as the famed artist once did.

Situated in the city center on Jodenbreestraat, the Rembrandt House Museum provides an intimate look at the man behind the art and the creative environment in which he thrived. Coupled with the Rembrandt House Museum, art enthusiasts will also appreciate the Rijksmuseum, which boasts an impressive collection of Dutch masterpieces, including works painted by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh.

This historical museum allows visitors to immerse themselves in the world of these renowned artists and serves as a hub for new perspectives and shared experiences. It encourages people of all ages to engage with art, offering interactive programs and guided tours to make its vast collection more accessible.

During the early 1600s, Rembrandt became a talented painter and printmaker, relocating to Amsterdam to further his career. The city’s flourishing art scene provided the perfect backdrop for his work as he navigated an open market teeming with fellow artists, all vying for recognition and success.

Amsterdam’s role in Rembrandt’s life and career is beautifully showcased through both museums, the Rembrandt House Museum and the Rijksmuseum, allowing visitors to explore the legacy of this influential artist from multiple angles.

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History of the Museum

The Rembrandt House Museum, also known as Museum Het Rembrandthuis, is located in a former house in the Jodenbreestraat, in the center of Amsterdam, Netherlands, where many rich merchants lived. Rembrandt purchased the building, which served as the renowned Dutch painter’s residence, studio, and art dealership between 1639 and 1658. Rembrandt lived here during the peak of his artistic career.

In 1906, during the “Rembrandt Year” (his tercentenary), a foundation was established to purchase the painter’s former house. After a thorough restoration, the exhibition center was officially opened in 1911. The Amsterdam Rembrandt House Museum is a detailed reconstruction of Rembrandt’s former living and working quarters, offering visitors a glimpse into his life.

Aside from being the only place where you can experience how Rembrandt lived, the exhibition center provides valuable insights into the man behind the art. It highlights his pivotal role during the thriving period of Amsterdam’s cultural and commercial scene in the early 1600s.

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Rembrandt’s Artworks Collection

In the Rembrandt House Museum, visitors have the opportunity to explore the works of a great artist while experiencing the authentic atmosphere of his home, students’ studio, and workshop. Here we’ll delve into the different types of artwork in this cultural institution’s collection.

Paintings

The exhibition center has just a small selection of Rembrandt’s paintings, since the center’s primary focus is to display the atmosphere in which he lived and worked. A more extensive collection of his paintings can be found at the Rijksmuseum.

Etchings

Rembrandt’s etchings are a crucial part of the museum’s collection. The museum exhibits over 300 of the best examples of Rembrandt’s prints, reflecting his mastery of this art form. Visitors can learn about his techniques and gain insight into the stories behind each piece.

Drawings

The exhibition center also has a large collection of Rembrandt’s drawings, capturing a number of subjects and themes. This collection helps paint a fuller picture of Rembrandt’s artistic journey and sheds light on his thought process.

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Notable Exhibits

The Rembrandt House Museum hosts an assortment of exciting and impressive exhibits and works in conjunction with other museums in Amsterdam, notably the Rijksmuseum. Now, we’ll focus on a few notable examples worth visiting during your trip to the museum.

Another special exhibit at the Rembrandt House Museum is the “Titus is Back Home” exhibit which celebrates the connection between Rembrandt’s work and the city of Amsterdam. This exhibit features 74 drawings by Rembrandt, Bol, Maes, and other artists from the Peck Collection at the Ackland Art Museum. As of writing, the exhibit is still on display, running from March 18th to June 11th, 2023.

The gallery also presents “Rembrandt in Amsterdam,” an exhibit highlighting the works of Rembrandt van Rijn and various other artists such as Reinier Nooms. With masterpieces like Study of a Black Man by Rembrandt and A View of the Amsterdam Harbor by Nooms, this exhibit gives you an insight into the artistic history of Amsterdam during the Dutch Golden Era.

Visitors should also take note of the Rijksmuseum’s collection, which houses some of the most significant works by Rembrandt. Highlights include The Night Watch, an iconic piece showcasing Rembrandt’s mastery of light and shadow, and Johannes Vermeer’s The Milkmaid, another essential Dutch Golden Age painting.

One famous recent exhibit was “All the Rembrandts.” Held at Rijksmuseum, the exhibit showcased all 22 paintings, 60 drawings, and more than 300 prints by Rembrandt from the museum’s collection. The exhibit ran from February 15th, 2019, to June 10th, 2019, and was an extraordinary opportunity to experience the full scope of Rembrandt’s artistic genius.

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Visitor Information

Admission Prices and Tickets

Visiting the Rembrandt House Museum in Amsterdam offers a unique opportunity to explore the artist’s former residence and view a dynamic collection of his paintings. The admission fees for 2023 are as follows:

• Adults: €17,50
• Students / CJP / ISIC Card: €10
• Children aged 6 to 17: €6
• Children under the age of 6: free
• ICOM: free

Do yourself a favor and purchase your tickets to the Rembrandt House Museum beforehand.

Opening Hours

The Rembrandt House Museum is open daily from 10 am until 6 pm, and the museum is closed on December 25th. The Rijksmuseum is open daily from 9 am until 5 pm and closed on December 25th.

Guided Tours

There are tour packages available that include both of these terrific museums, as well as free or discounted entry with the Amsterdam GoCity card or the I Amsterdam City Card.

For a comprehensive Rembrandt experience, the Rijksmuseum offers guided tours that invite visitors to delve deeper into the world of Dutch masterpieces, including the works of Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh. The Rijksmuseum, separate from the Rembrandt House Museum, hosts daily guided tours to provide guests with a detailed exploration of its collection.

As part of the Rijksmuseum experience and website, visitors can access audio guides that offer insight into selected works and sign language interpretations for an inclusive environment.

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How to Get to the Museum

Public Transportation

The Rembrandt House Museum is situated in the center of Amsterdam and easily accessible via walk or public transportation. From Amsterdam Central Station, walking to the museum takes around 15 minutes. Alternatively, tourists can opt for the metro or tram services:

Both options will lead visitors to the museum in a short amount of time.

Parking

While parking in Amsterdam’s city center can be challenging, visitors can utilize the following parking facilities near the Rembrandt House Museum:

Waterlooplein Underground Parking, Waterlooplein 28, 1011 PG Amsterdam

Markenhoven, Anne Frankstraat 220, 1011 MP Amsterdam

Please note that parking fees may apply, and it is advised to check the rates before parking.

Bicycle

Exploring Amsterdam by bicycle is a popular and efficient means of transportation. The Rembrandt House Museum can be easily reached by bike from several city points.

Nearby, there are several bicycle parking options where visitors can securely park their bikes while visiting the museum. Make sure to lock your bike properly to prevent theft.

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Accessibility

The Rembrandt House Museum in Amsterdam strives to provide a welcoming and accessible experience for all visitors. Most of the museum is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that guests with mobility issues can comfortably explore the exhibits and facilities available.

Guests have access to an elevator in a newer wing of the building. This makes areas such as the entrance, museum shop, toilets, and exhibition rooms fully accessible to visitors using a wheelchair or those with mobility issues. However, it should be noted that Rembrandt’s original 17th Century house does not have lifts or other accessibility facilities, owing to its historical structure and preservation.

Similarly, the Rijksmuseum has made substantial efforts to ensure accessibility in a modern building. All galleries within the Rijksmuseum are wheelchair-accessible, and elevators can be found throughout. Additionally, accessible restrooms are available for guests.

Both the Rembrandt House Museum and the Rijksmuseum demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity, providing an enjoyable and accessible experience for visitors of all abilities. Please note that guests needing assistance or further information should contact the museum staff, who are happy to help and ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit.

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Nearby Attractions

While visiting the Rembrandt House Museum, multiple nearby attractions are worth exploring. These attractions offer visitors diverse experiences that further enrich their visit to Amsterdam.

One popular destination is the Rembrandtplein, a prominent public square named after the famous artist. The square is lined with historic buildings, cafes, and restaurants, making it a great place to relax and soak in the atmosphere.

For art and music enthusiasts, The Concertgebouw is a must-visit location. This world-renowned concert hall is located just a short distance from Rembrandtplein and offers an array of classical music performances.

Other notable attractions near the Rembrandt House Museum include:

These diverse attractions around the Rembrandt House Museum provide visitors with a richer understanding of Holland and Amsterdam’s history, culture, and artistic heritage.

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Where to Stay

There are tons of accommodations to choose from nearby, including fancy hotels and vacation rentals. Here are some of our top picks:

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