The Rijksmuseum thoroughly deserves its reputation as one of the top museums in the world. It’s a stunning place and even if you’ve been before make sure you visit again and discover more of its wonders.
The museum has created an astonishingly brilliant app (great for adults as well as kids). Download it in advance or get hold of devices and headphones at the multimedia desk. The content changes regularly so its hard to give advice but when we were there, there was an interactive treasure hunt or “Family Quest” in which we had to work together in a team of 2-4 players to complete the puzzle for a reward. The hunt took us via the NightWatch (follow the stunning renovations of this masterpiece) and the Vermeers but also into the depths of the museum to see curios and objets d’art. We absolutely loved the experience and the boys were completely engaged for an hour or more.
If you have the app installed you can also simply type in the three digit number by provided on placards around the museum and you’ll be provided with rich multimedia content about more than 200 artworks.
Whilst you are there, be sure to check out the stunning art history library and if you are a fan of Jessie Burton’s The Miniaturist (or even if you haven’t read it yet) visit the Dolls House of Petronella Oortman which is certain to inspire you to pick up a copy.
The cafe too is absolutely worth a visit, and there is also a very upmarket restaurant with a fantastic reputation for fine dining.
Perhaps because we have been so spoiled by the Rijks, the Van Gogh Museum felt just that little bit less mind-blowing for the kids. Again, make sure you book in advance. The treasure hunt is fun but more challenging and though there are some extraordinary paintings, the layout, light and use of space struggled to compete with its older and grander neighbour.
The one thing the Van Gogh estate is amazing at though is engaging younger generations via some quite bonkers ‘collabs’.
In the past these have included shoe and clothing brand Vans; Märklin model trains and even Pokemon! Check if one of these is on whilst you are visiting. The Pokemon collab went huge on TikTok and rarely have my kids been so excited about visiting an art museum.
