Queen Beatrix and Prince Claus arriving at the Museum of Antiquities in Leiden during a royal visit with Greek President Sartzetakis and his wife in April 1989

Rijksmuseum Van Oudheden

Rijksmuseum van Oudheden Leiden: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Complete Visitor Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Located in the heart of historic Leiden, the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden (RMO) is the Netherlands’ national archaeological museum and a world-class destination for anyone fascinated by ancient civilizations. Established in 1818 and housed in a stately 18th-century mansion, the museum presents an extraordinary collection of over 180,000 artifacts spanning ancient Egypt, the Classical World, the Near East, and the archaeology of the Netherlands. A highlight of the museum is the authentic Temple of Taffeh, an Egyptian monument reconstructed in the museum’s grand central hall—a testament to international collaboration and heritage preservation.

The RMO’s close collaboration with Leiden University’s Faculty of Archaeology supports ongoing research, education, and public engagement. The museum provides a welcoming, accessible environment with thoughtful amenities, including wheelchair access, multilingual guides, a café, and a gift shop. Its central Leiden location also makes it the perfect gateway to the city’s other historical and cultural treasures.

For detailed information on planning your visit, refer to the RMO Official Site, or explore expert resources such as World History Edu and Egyptian Streets.

Carved stone altars dedicated to the Goddess Nehalennia displayed at the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden in Leiden

Carved altars dedicated to the Goddess Nehalennia in Rijksmuseum Leiden

Portrait of Jean Emile Humbert, early 19th-century researcher and explorer

Rijksmuseum van Oudheden museum building with sculptures in Leiden

Attic black-figure kylix cup with Dionysos and satyrs decoration and caricature of black slave in tondo

Historical view of Rijksmuseum van Natuurlijke Historie in Leiden circa 1880

Arrival of Princess Beatrix and Prince Claus at Rijksmuseum van Oudheden for the opening of the rebuilt Egyptian temple Taffeh in Leiden April 1979

Black and white photo of the opening ceremony of the Taffeh temple by Princess Beatrix at Rijksmuseum van Oudheden in Leiden in April 1979

Queen Beatrix and Prince Claus visiting Rijksmuseum van Oudheden with President Sartzetakis of Greece and spouse during Greek antiquities exhibition in Leiden April 1989 black and white photo

History and Development
Visiting Hours and Tickets
Accessibility and Facilities
Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions
Exhibitions and Collections
Special Events and Guided Tours
Photography and Visitor Experience
Practical Tips and FAQs
Conclusion and Plan Your Visit
References and Further Reading

History and Development

Early Foundations

The museum’s origins date to 1743, when collector Gerard van Papenbroek donated 150 antiquities to Leiden University (World History Edu). In 1818, Caspar Reuvens—the world’s first archaeology professor—transformed this collection into an institution of national importance, acquiring further artifacts from institutions like the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam and the Museum of Natural History.

Expansion and Recognition

Significant growth followed in the 19th century, with major acquisitions such as Colonel Rottiers’ Greek collection and Egyptian artifacts from the d’Anastasy and Humbert collections (Egyptian Streets). After Reuvens’ death, Conradus Leemans secured the museum’s current mansion and opened it to the public in 1838. The 20th century brought further expansion through excavations, international collaborations, and the spectacular arrival of the Temple of Taffeh—a gift from Egypt in gratitude for Dutch expertise in monument preservation (Lonely Planet).

The museum is now renowned for its Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Dutch archaeological collections and remains closely linked to Leiden University’s research and teaching.

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed on Mondays and major public holidays (January 1, April 27, October 3, December 25)
Extended Hours:
Thursdays often feature special evening programs with opening until 9:00 PM (Student Leiden)

Ticket Prices

Adults: €15
Students and seniors: €10
Children under 18: Free
Museumkaart (Dutch Museum Card) holders: Free
Family tickets and discounts for groups are available on-site

Where to Buy:
Purchase tickets online via the RMO Official Site for convenience and to avoid queues. Special exhibitions and guided tours may require advance booking.

Accessibility and Facilities

Wheelchair accessible: Step-free access, elevators to all public floors, and accessible restrooms.
Assistance available: Wheelchairs can be borrowed; assistance available at the desk.
Multilingual support: Audio guides and exhibit descriptions in Dutch, English, and other languages.
Families: Interactive children’s tours, family workshops, and hands-on exhibits.
Amenities:
- Museum café and gift shop
- Free Wi-Fi
- Cloakroom and lockers for bags and coats

For additional accommodations or assistance, contact the museum prior to your visit.

Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions

Address: Rapenburg 28, 2311 EW Leiden, Netherlands
By Public Transport:
Leiden Central Station is a 10-minute walk; bus lines 1, 2, 3, and others stop nearby (Leiden Public Transport).
By Car:
Public parking garages available; the Haagweg parking lot offers shuttle service to city center.
By Bicycle:
Bike racks provided at the entrance.

Nearby Leiden Highlights

Hortus Botanicus Leiden: Oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands
Museum Volkenkunde: National Museum of Ethnology
Leiden Observatory: The oldest university observatory in the world
Burcht van Leiden: Medieval fortress with city views
Leiden’s historic canals and Old City Center

Exhibitions and Collections

Egyptian and Nubian Artifacts

Over 1,400 objects: mummies, painted coffins, statues (notably Maya and Merit), daily life items
Temple of Taffeh: Authentic Nubian temple, centerpiece of the museum
Artifacts from Nubia, Kushite Empire, and early Christian Egypt
Restoration highlights: Egyptian coffins restored with international support (TEFAF)

Classical World

Greek, Roman, and Etruscan sculpture and pottery
Notable: Emperor Trajan statue, mosaics, jewelry, Roman-British coin hoard

Ancient Near East

Cuneiform tablets, cylinder seals, jewelry, and monumental statues from Mesopotamia, Persia, Anatolia, and the Levant

Dutch Archaeology

Prehistoric tools, Roman military artifacts, medieval treasures (such as the Linschoten Sword)
Exhibits tracing the rich archaeological history of the Netherlands

Current and Notable Exhibitions

“Boven het Maaiveld” (Above Ground): Dutch archaeological discoveries (until 7 September 2025)
“Dromen van Egypte” (Dreaming of Egypt): Inspired by ancient Egyptian culture (until 31 August 2025)
“Tin” (Pewter): Pewter utensils and craftsmanship (until 14 June 2026)
Children’s Exhibition: “Monsters en Mythische Wezens” (until January 2027)

For the latest exhibitions, see the museum’s official exhibitions page.

Special Events and Guided Tours

Temporary exhibitions: Over a hundred since 2000, many archived digitally for online access
Guided tours: Available in Dutch and English; book in advance
Family programs: Interactive tours, workshops, and children’s activities
Special events:
- Nationale Archeologiedagen: National Archaeology Days with lectures, hands-on activities, and tours (RMO News)
- Museum Nights: Evening openings with themed programs

Check the Leiden event calendar for up-to-date schedules.

Photography and Visitor Experience

Photography: Permitted (no flash) for personal use in most galleries; tripods prohibited
Best photo spots:
- Temple of Taffeh (main hall)
- Egyptian sarcophagi galleries
- Greek and Roman sculpture halls
- Museum café and courtyard for relaxed snapshots
Visitor tips:
- Visit on weekday mornings for a quieter experience
- Allocate 2–3 hours for your visit
- Use multilingual audio guides for an enriched experience

Practical Tips and FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the museum’s opening hours?
A: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00–17:00; closed Mondays and select holidays.

Q: How much are tickets?
A: Adults €15; students/seniors €10; children under 18 and Museumkaart holders, free.

Q: Is RMO wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, with elevators, accessible restrooms, and wheelchairs for loan.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, in Dutch and English; book in advance for groups or special topics.

Q: Can I bring a backpack or stroller?
A: Small bags allowed; larger items and strollers can be left at the cloakroom.

Q: Are there family-friendly activities?
A: Absolutely—interactive exhibits, children’s paper tours, workshops, and special family events.

Q: Where can I park?
A: Use public garages or the Haagweg shuttle lot; central parking is limited and expensive.

Conclusion and Plan Your Visit

The Rijksmuseum van Oudheden offers an immersive journey through millennia of world history and Dutch archaeology, blending stunning artifacts and engaging exhibitions with outstanding visitor facilities. Whether you’re a history buff, a family seeking educational fun, or a traveler exploring Leiden, the RMO promises a rich and memorable experience.

For up-to-date visiting hours, ticketing information, and details on current exhibitions, visit the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden Official Site. Enhance your visit with the Audiala app for interactive tours, and follow the museum on social media for the latest news and events.

Plan your visit, discover Leiden’s other cultural highlights, and step into the stories that shaped civilizations!