No trip to Amsterdam is complete without an introduction to its artistic institutions. This private combo tour ticks all the boxes with a visit to the Rijksmuseum, followed by a tour focusing on the life of world-famous artist Rembrandt. Walk through Spiegelquarte, Keizersgracht and the Rijksmuseum in a private group of only your friends and family. Guides will provide you with a ticket that allows you to skip the line at the museum.
Your tour starts at Holland’s answer to the Louvre, the Rijksmuseum, housing centuries of Dutch history and art. Explore over 8000 objects, including paintings and artifacts, with artists from the Dutch Golden Age like Rembrandt and Vermeer on display. From dollhouses to a captured British warship, the museum boasts a wide range of historical items. The largest museum in Amsterdam, a visit is an absolute must.
After lunch, dig deeper into Rembrandt’s life to learn all about this iconic Dutch artist. Walk through Spiegelquarter, a district known for a wide array of antiques and artistic goods. Afterwards, wander the Keizersgracht, or Emperor’s canal, where you’ll discuss one of Rembrandt’s most successful apprentices. In Rembrandt Square you’ll hear about the Night Watch Guards, who were characters in one of the artist’s most popular works. His painting is recreated here in bronze sculpture.
In Staalstraat, learn about the local Drapers Guild, represented by Rembrandt. Finally, in Waterloo Square, you will discover the former Jewish Quarter, home to a variety of immigrants including Rembrandt and his wife. The couple spent many years living here, near the Amstel River, where their house still stands as a museum dedicated to the artist’s life. It includes etchings and other works done by Rembrandt himself. The furnishings are authentic to the 1600s, reconstituted thanks to auction archives from the period. Wander Rembrandt’s office and see how he produced his work, peeking at the more intimate side of the artist’s life.
