Netherlands Amsterdam Amsterdam Garden

Rijksmuseum Gardens

About

Surrounding the iconic Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, the Rijksmuseum Gardens offer a serene escape steeped in history and design. Originally envisioned by architect Pierre Cuypers as an outdoor extension of the museum, the gardens span over 14,500 square metres and showcase a blend of Renaissance, French-Classicist, and country-style landscaping. Visitors can explore historic sculptures, architectural fragments, and seasonal floral displays, including thousands of tulip bulbs curated in collaboration with Keukenhof. Highlights include Jeppe Hein’s playful water maze, a 19th-century greenhouse, and a majestic Caucasian Wingnut tree planted by Cuypers himself. The gardens also feature a pergola, outdoor chessboard, and summer exhibitions of modern sculpture. Open daily and free to enter, they provide a tranquil setting for reflection, relaxation, and cultural enrichment. Whether enjoying a quiet stroll or admiring the museum’s grand façade, the Rijksmuseum Gardens offer a unique blend of nature, art, and heritage in the heart of Amsterdam.

Amsterdam Netherlands

Location

The Rijksmuseum Gardens are located at Museumstraat 1 in Amsterdam, nestled around the famous Rijksmuseum on Museumplein in the Amsterdam South borough. Covering over 14,500 square meters, these gardens serve as a serene oasis amid the city’s hustle and bustle, featuring diverse historical garden styles, original sculptures, architectural fragments, ponds, lawns, and modern art installations including Jeppe Hein’s Water Maze. Visitors can also enjoy a greenhouse with heritage vegetables and a restored garden house offering refreshments. The gardens are freely accessible daily from 9:00 to 18:00, making them a popular place for relaxation, strolls, and cultural enjoyment. Nearby, the gardens are close to major cultural landmarks such as the Rijksmuseum itself, the Van Gogh Museum, the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, the Diamond Museum, the Moco Museum, and the House of Bols cocktail experience. The location at Museumplein situates the gardens within walking distance of the Concertgebouw concert hall and Vondelpark, providing visitors with a rich array of art, history, and natural beauty all within a compact and accessible area of Amsterdam.