Garbage pit from Rembrandt's time uncovered in Amsterdam

Rembrandt House Museum

Rembrandt House Museum: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Amsterdam Historical Sites Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Rembrandt House Museum stands as a living tribute to Rembrandt van Rijn, one of the Dutch Golden Age’s most influential artists. Located in Amsterdam’s historic Jewish Quarter at Jodenbreestraat 4, this carefully restored 17th-century residence lets visitors step directly into the world where Rembrandt lived and worked. As both a home and a studio, the museum offers a rare opportunity to explore authentically reconstructed interiors, view significant collections of Rembrandt’s etchings, and witness live demonstrations of his artistic techniques. This guide presents everything you need to know about planning your visit: from opening hours and ticketing to accessibility, travel tips, and nearby attractions.

View of Jodenbreestraat in Amsterdam showing Rembrandthuis at numbers 4-6 in a 17th-century style with Sint-Antoniesluis on the right and Zuiderkerkstoren tower in the background

View of Rembrandt's House at Jodenbreestraat with street scene and Zuiderkerkstoren in the background

Historic view of Rembrandt's House on Jodenbreestraat with bustling street scene and Zuiderkerk tower in the background

Black and white photograph of a street in Amsterdam showing typical Amsterdam landmarks and architecture in 1945 after World War II

Historical painting of Rembrandt's house in 1860

Historic drawing of Rembrandt's House on Jodenbreestraat with Zuiderkerkstoren in the background

Color lithograph of Jodenbreestraat street market and Rembrandt House near Sint Antoniesluis in Amsterdam with Zuiderkerkstoren church tower in background

Color lithograph of Jodenbreestraat view towards Sint Antoniesluis in Amsterdam circa 1850 with Rembrandthuis and Zuiderkerkstoren

Jodenbreestraat street view towards Sint Antoniesluis with Rembrandthuis and Zuiderkerkstoren in background, circa 1850, color lithograph

Interior of Rembrandt House museum in Amsterdam showing historic art and furnishings

Historical street view of Jodenbree Straat in 1875 with people and horse-drawn carriages

Introduction
Historical Background
Visitor Information
Highlights of the Museum Experience
- Permanent Collection and Studio
- Demonstrations and Exhibitions
Cultural and Artistic Significance
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Nearby Attractions and Suggested Itineraries
Practical Recommendations
Sources and Further Reading

Historical Background

Origins and Construction

The house at Jodenbreestraat 4 was constructed in 1606, the same year as Rembrandt’s birth (amsterdam.info). Situated in one of Amsterdam’s most fashionable districts at the time, it catered to the city’s rising merchant class. In 1627–28, architect Jacob van Campen modernized the property, adding an extra floor and a distinct triangular pediment (Wikipedia).

Rembrandt’s Residency (1639–1658)

Rembrandt purchased the house in 1639 for 13,000 guilders, a testament to his early success (amsterdamforvisitors.com). The building featured spacious, light-filled studios ideal for painting, as well as rooms for his family and art dealership. Here, Rembrandt trained notable pupils and produced works that shaped the course of European art (historytools.org).

Bankruptcy and Auction

Despite his artistic achievements, Rembrandt’s financial management faltered. In 1656, he was declared bankrupt, and his possessions—including the house—were inventoried and auctioned off. This detailed inventory now serves as the foundation for the museum’s authentic interior reconstructions (culturetourist.com).

Restoration and Museum Foundation

The house passed through various owners and deteriorated over time. In 1906, on Rembrandt’s 300th birthday, the city of Amsterdam acquired the property and initiated a comprehensive restoration led by Karel de Bazel. The museum opened in 1911, meticulously replicating the 17th-century atmosphere (Wikipedia; amsterdam.info).

The Museum Today

The Rembrandt House Museum continues to evolve, integrating historical preservation with modern expansion. Recent renovations have added new exhibition spaces and enhanced accessibility, while maintaining the authentic feel of Rembrandt’s era (rembrandthuis.nl). Daily demonstrations and educational programs keep Rembrandt’s techniques alive for contemporary audiences.

Visitor Information

Opening Hours

Daily: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Closed: April 27 (King’s Day), December 25
Early Closing: December 24 & 31 (closes at 5:00 PM)
January 1: Opens at 11:00 AM
(Headout)

Ticket Prices and Booking

Adults: €17.50
Students/Children: Reduced rates; children under 6 are free
Museumkaart/I Amsterdam Card: Entry included
Purchase: Highly recommended to buy tickets online in advance for your preferred time slot (tickets-amsterdam.com; thebettervacation.com)

Cancellation Policy: Tickets can usually be canceled up to two days before the visit for a full refund (travel-buddies.com).

How to Get There and Accessibility

Address: Jodenbreestraat 4, 1011 NK Amsterdam
By Public Transport: Trams 14, 9, and metro to Waterlooplein station; also walkable from Amsterdam Centraal
By Car: Nearby parking at Waterlooplein or Valkenburgerstraat
Accessibility: Due to historic architecture, upper floors may not be fully accessible to wheelchair users; contact the museum ahead for assistance (travel-buddies.com).

Duration of Visit and Facilities

Recommended Time: 1–2 hours, longer for art lovers or those attending demonstrations (Headout)
Facilities: Audio guides in multiple languages, cloakroom for small bags, museum shop, restrooms, and an onsite café (travel-buddies.com)
Photography: Non-flash photography is allowed except in some special exhibitions

Guided Tours, Events, and Tips

Audio Guides & Tours: Included with admission; guided tours available for a fee (Budget Your Trip)
Live Demonstrations: Daily painting and etching demonstrations in Rembrandt’s studio
Special Exhibitions: Rotating displays in the modern annex; check official website for current schedule
Visitor Tips: Arrive early or late in the day to avoid crowds; travel light due to limited storage

Highlights of the Museum Experience

Permanent Collection and Studio

The museum houses one of the world’s largest collections of Rembrandt’s etchings—over 260 works—alongside original printing plates, personal objects, and pieces by his students (Headout). The reconstructed studio offers a hands-on insight into Rembrandt’s creative process (museos.com).

Demonstrations and Exhibitions

Daily demonstrations of 17th-century painting and etching techniques are a highlight, making the creative world of Rembrandt tangible for modern visitors. Special exhibitions, such as “Rembrandt & Amsterdam,” provide fresh perspectives on the artist’s influence (yourlittleblackbook.me; iamsterdam.com).

Cultural and Artistic Significance

As a hub of Dutch Golden Age art, the Rembrandt House Museum preserves a critical chapter in art history. The location in Amsterdam’s Jewish Quarter reflects the city’s multicultural past, while educational programs and workshops ensure Rembrandt’s legacy continues to inspire visitors of all backgrounds (amsterdamtourism.net; loving-travel.com).