Rijksmuseum Visitor Guide 2024: Everything you need to know

The Rijksmuseum is the crown jewel of Amsterdam’s impressive Museum quarter. Functioning as the National Museum of the Netherlands, the Rijksmuseum is home to priceless works of art from around the world, with a special focus on Dutch artists. Home to over one million works of art, including pieces by such well-known artists as Rembrandt, van Gogh, and Vermeer, the museum is one of the country’s top tourist attractions and receives millions of visitors every year.

No trip to Amsterdam is complete without a visit to the Rijksmuseum. You could easily spend a whole day admiring the masterpieces here. You can make things easier on yourself by dropping off any needed bags at a bags storage service near the Rijksmuseum. That way you won’t have to carry more than you need to.

Rijksmuseum bag policy

The Rijksmuseum doesn’t allow large bags inside. The maximum size of bag you can bring is no bigger than an A4 sheet of paper. This is to protect the art and to make it easier for people to move around and enjoy what’s on display. There is a baggage storage facility at the Museum where you can leave your belongings behind. However, at busy times, you may find a long wait for an available locker. It’s easier if you can find a luggage storage service near the Rijksmuseum. That way you can skip the lines and get straight to appreciating the astonishing art history of the Netherlands.

Rijksmuseum food policy

Food and drink are not allowed inside the galleries of the museum, for obvious reasons. If you get peckish during your visit, you’ll find numerous coffee corners throughout the museum where you can grab quick refreshments. For a more substantial meal, there’s also the Museum Café. Located above the museum shop, the café serves Dutch delicacies and local food to give you a culinary tour of the country to go with your artistic one.

Rijksmuseum camera policy

Cameras are permitted inside Museum, and you’re welcome to take photos of the art. Pay attention to any signs in the galleries though, because flash photography is sometimes banned to protect the paintings. You should also be aware that commercial filming and photography are not allowed. No lighting, tripods, or props are permitted, only handheld cameras. It’s also important to make sure you don’t create a nuisance for other visitors. If you have a lot of high-end camera equipment, the best idea is to leave it behind at a suitcase storage near the Rijksmuseum before you visit.

Rijksmuseum rules

• The museum reserves the right to search the bags and belongings of any visitors who enter. Refusal to allow a search may result in ejection from the museum.
• Sharp objects such as knives, any kind of firearms, and blunt objects that can be used as weapons are all banned from the museum.
• Luggage and other large objects are not allowed inside the building, so if you have suitcases with you, it’s better to drop them off at a luggage storage service first.
• No pets are allowed inside the museum, though service animals are permitted.
• Smoking is not allowed inside.
• You’re not allowed to draw or paint inside the Museum without prior approval.

Rijksmuseum lockers

Art lovers travel from around the world to see the treasures housed in the Rijksmuseum. And even those who aren’t necessarily huge fans of art often come away from this institution with a greater appreciation for painting and sculpture. The museum is the perfect place to admire the outsized impact the country of the Netherlands has had on art history and see some of the most famous and celebrated paintings in the world.

While the museum provides storage for bags, it’s limited in what size bags you can keep there. Large suitcases will be allowed inside, so it’s best to track down a bag storage near the Rijksmuseum before you go. That way, you can feel confident that your own precious objects are being safely looked after while you explore the highlights of Dutch art.