10 must-see masterpieces at the Rijksmuseum
Quick answer
The Rijksmuseum's must-see works are Rembrandt's The Night Watch and The Jewish Bride, Vermeer's The Milkmaid and The Little Street, Frans Hals' The Merry Drinker, Jan Steen's The Feast of Saint Nicholas and Van Gogh's self-portrait. Most hang in the Gallery of Honour on the second floor.
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The 10 key works
- 1
Gallery of Honour · floor 2
The Night Watch — Rembrandt (1642)
Captain Frans Banninck Cocq's company marching into action. It is the museum's most famous work, celebrated for its light and movement.
- 2
Gallery of Honour · floor 2
The Jewish Bride — Rembrandt (c. 1665–1669)
An intimate portrait of a couple, remarkably tender and thickly painted.
- 3
Gallery of Honour · floor 2
The Milkmaid — Johannes Vermeer (c. 1660)
A domestic scene of almost magical light, with the detail of the milk and bread.
- 4
Gallery of Honour · floor 2
The Little Street — Johannes Vermeer (c. 1658)
One of Vermeer's few city views, serene and meticulous.
- 5
Gallery of Honour · floor 2
The Merry Drinker — Frans Hals (c. 1628–1630)
A portrait full of life and spontaneity, with loose brushwork.
- 6
Second floor
The Feast of Saint Nicholas — Jan Steen (c. 1665–1668)
A chaotic, endearing Dutch household packed with small stories.
- 7
Second floor
Woman Reading a Letter — Gerard ter Borch
A moment of intimacy with an almost tactile finish on the silk.
- 8
Check the day's floor plan
Self-Portrait — Vincent van Gogh (1887)
One of the museum's Van Gogh works, with his characteristic brushwork.
- 9
Ground floor
Dolls' houses — 18th century
Miniatures that reproduce wealthy homes of the period in detail.
- 10
Ground floor
17th-century ship models
A look at Dutch maritime power through detailed models.
How to see them all in one visit
Nearly all of the Golden Age paintings are on the second floor; start there and then go down. Our 2-hour route follows the exact order. If a room is closed, the day's floor plan shows where each work has moved.
Frequently asked questions
Where is The Night Watch?
In the Gallery of Honour on the second floor, at the end of the main axis.
Where is Vermeer's The Milkmaid?
In the Gallery of Honour on the second floor, alongside other Vermeers.
Does the Rijksmuseum have Van Gogh?
Yes, but the big Van Gogh collection is at the Van Gogh Museum, a five-minute walk away.
Can I see the Gallery of Honour with few people?
At 9:00, right at opening, is the best time.