Every day in Amsterdam Mom and I went to at least one museum. The first day it was the Rijksmuseum (State Museum).
The Rijksmuseum is one of the museums making up Museumplein (Museum Square) in a bustling corner of Amsterdam. The whole building was designed through contest entries.
Originally founded in 1800 it was decided to hold a contest to design a new building for the museum in 1863. None of the entries were deemed good enough so in 1876 the contest was run again. this time a winner was declared and the building began construction later that year. Contests didn't end there. Other contests were held for the sculptures, painting and tile tableaus, and stained glass. The result is a palace like building with references to Dutch art and history incorporated into every aspect.
Unfortunately both Mom and I began falling asleep on our feet. We had been up for over 24 hours due to flying and time changes so much was not appreciated as much as it could have been. I would definitely like to visit this place again for a greater appreciation for all that it could teach.
The Rijksmuseum is one of the museums making up Museumplein (Museum Square) in a bustling corner of Amsterdam. The whole building was designed through contest entries.
Originally founded in 1800 it was decided to hold a contest to design a new building for the museum in 1863. None of the entries were deemed good enough so in 1876 the contest was run again. this time a winner was declared and the building began construction later that year. Contests didn't end there. Other contests were held for the sculptures, painting and tile tableaus, and stained glass. The result is a palace like building with references to Dutch art and history incorporated into every aspect.
Somehow I never actually got a picture of the museum straight on. The best I can show is the small section visible behind me.
The museum is home to much of the fine art created during the Dutch Golden Age. Artists such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Frans Hals take up entire rooms.
Johannes Vermeer's The Milk Maid
Rembrandt's Portrait of a Young Woman Holding Gloves - The closest I may ever come to finding my doppelganger
Apparently Dutch artisans were well renowned during the Dutch Golden Age for their work in silver. This is a trowel used in the ground breaking of some government buildings.
Unfortunately both Mom and I began falling asleep on our feet. We had been up for over 24 hours due to flying and time changes so much was not appreciated as much as it could have been. I would definitely like to visit this place again for a greater appreciation for all that it could teach.
