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 artefacts, 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.
Highlights Include: (if artwork is not on loan or being restored etc.)
Rembrandt masterworks
The Jewish Bride
The Syndics of the Drapers’ Guild
Vermeer’s The Milkmaid
19th century library
17th century dollhouses, globes, ship replica, and Delft ceramics
I did the museum hop tours in Amsterdam, London, and Paris. Fantastic small group guided tours of some of the greatest museums in the world. I highly recommend all of them!
Viki; our tour guide was legendary. We were in constant awe of her knowledge of the art as well as the museum itself. Request Viki if you are planning a Babylon tour. PS- she also gave us incredible recommendations for nightlife and restaurants. Live Jazz and exciting venues.
Very much enjoyed the museum and the private tour. We lucked out and it was only us on the tour. Had a great time with Victoria and got more from the museum than we would have on our own
The guides were very experienced and helpful. They went out of their way ensuring that we had a good time. Amsterdam's wind chill was quite cold during our time there, yet the experience was worth it. The tour was very punctual, which was very professional as well.
Our guide Victoria was excellent! She was very knowledgeable and passionate about the art and taught a you to look at paintings from a different perspective. She encouraged you to get up close which is tabu in many museums but allowed you to appreciate the work even more. I would highly recommend this tour and if Victoria is your guide you have one of the best!