Connect with Amsterdam’s artistic past and immerse yourself in visceral history at the Rembrandt House Museum. This historic building was the home and workshop of famous artist and former Amsterdam resident, Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, during the 20 years between 1639 and 1658.
History of the Rembrandt House in Amsterdam
The construction of the original Rembrandt House in Amsterdam was completed in 1607 in an area of the city once known as Sint Anthonisbreestraat. Rembrandt purchased the home in 1639 and after going through years of financial trouble he was forced into bankruptcy. The house was auctioned in 1658; it changed owners and significantly deteriorated over the next couple of centuries. In 1906 the City of Amsterdam bought the building and spent the next five years restoring it to its former glory and Queen Wilhelmina opened the museum in 1911. The museum’s collection expanded over the last century and they built an annex to house more exhibits in the 1990s.
Location
The Rembrandt House Museum is located in the heart of old Amsterdam next to Waterlooplein Square, which is about a 15 minute walk from the Dam Square. If you are riding the train, you can exit at the Waterlooplein tram stop from lines 9 and 14.
The Collection
The core of the collection at the Rembrandt House includes Rembrandt’s graphical work, as well as the work of other artists who used the studio before and during the time Rembrandt worked and lived at the studio. The museum holds 260 of Rembrandt’s etchings and a selection of drawings and copper plates. The Rembrandt House Museum Amsterdam also has a limited collection of paintings by Rembrandt’s teacher, pupils and peers.
Hours of Operation
The museum is open daily from 10AM to 6PM except for December 25 (Christmas Day) and April 27 (King’s Day). On New Year’s Eve and Christmas Eve, the museum typically closes early at 5PM. On New Year’s Day the museum opens at 11AM.
Tickets
You can purchase tickets online at the Rembrandt House Museum website. Regular admission for adults is €13. Children up to five years old and students are free and it’s only €4 for children age 6 to 17. If you have an Iamsterdam city card, Museumkaart or ICON card, your admission is also free.
