The Rijksmuseum and the world it shows
The Rijksmuseum is home to Rembrandt's Night Watch, Vermeer's Milkmaid, and thousands of works from the 17th-century Dutch masters. These paintings depict 17th-century Amsterdam — its canals, its merchants, its ships. But what if you could step into that world, rather than just look at it on canvas?
What to do near the Rijksmuseum
Museumplein is surrounded by world-class attractions: the Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum, and Moco Museum are all within a few minutes' walk. The Vondelpark is just around the corner. But there's one experience that starts right at the Rijksmuseum pier — the Amsterdam 1650 VR canal cruise.
The Amsterdam 1650 VR cruise — departs from the same square
The Stromma Rijksmuseum pier is at Stadhouderskade 520 — a 2-minute walk from the museum entrance. Board a heated canal boat, put on a VR headset, and sail through the Amsterdam of 1650. Seven historical locations brought to life in 360-degree virtual reality, synchronized with your position on the canal.
Suggested itinerary
Morning: Rijksmuseum (2-3 hours). See the 17th-century paintings. Walk 2 minutes to the pier. Board the 12:30 or 14:30 VR cruise. After: lunch at one of the cafes on Museumplein, or continue to the Van Gogh Museum.
How to get to the pier from the Rijksmuseum
Exit the Rijksmuseum through the main entrance on Museumstraat. Turn left onto Stadhouderskade. The Stromma pier is 2 minutes' walk, directly in front of the Hard Rock Cafe. Tram 2 and 12 stop right at the museum.
Combine both — VR 1650 Canal Cruise + Rijksmuseum
The Double Dutch History Experience combines the Amsterdam 1650 VR cruise with a full-day Rijksmuseum ticket in one package. Sail through the Amsterdam Rembrandt painted, then stand in front of his paintings.