The Rijksmuseum is the Dutch National Museum dedicated to arts and history in Amsterdam. But tucked away inside is the Netherlands Research Library. Also called the Rijksmuseum Research Library. When we think “Research Library,” we are often met with thoughts of bland, stark architecture and dull, grey walls as far as the eye can see. But the Rijksmuseum’s Research Library is a creation all of its own. This is a place one could only dream up, let alone have the opportunity to spend your days studying here. It looks like a slightly more gothic version of Belle’s library from Beauty and the Beast; fairytales do come true.
The Rijksmuseum Research Library is the definition of “architecture porn.” It is the crown jewel of the Netherlands’ art history collection. Books and ephemera have been collected since 1885 for the group and include catalogues from auctions and exhibitions, periodicals and annual reports, photography, iconography, Indian miniatures, Chinese paintings and bronzes, as well as Japanese prints and sculptures. The library was built along with the rest of the museum in 1885 by Pierre Cuypers in Renaissance and Gothic architectural styles. The decorative embellishments are still seen in the wrought iron railings and swirling staircase.
The museum staff use the library daily, researching some of the more obscure pieces of the museum’s collection or other art history artifacts they received. This isn’t just a beautiful building but a functional one where the museum’s day-to-day operations occur. The library has a buzz to it, much like any office but set in a Gothic, court-like setting.
The library is open to visitors Monday to Friday, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It is closed on weekends and public holidays. The library is free to visit and does not require a ticket. However, you will need to register in advance to use the reading room.
If you want to visit the library and take out a book, all you need is a Photo ID to register for a library card. But be aware that some books cannot leave the library. You can check online to see if the book you’re interested in is available for borrowing.
External visitors (tourists) are not permitted to borrow books or periodicals. But you can still browse the collection and read the books while you’re in town. On request, some items can be scanned, so you can take a piece of a book home with you if you are so inclined. They have gone out of their way to ensure this information is available to everyone, and more people can learn more about art and history!
There are about 400,000 volumes in the collection. The online web catalogue contains about 300,000 monographs, 3,400 periodicals and 40,000 art sales catalogues. And there are still about 50,000 art sales catalogues published before 1989 that have yet to be entered into the system.
The Rijksmuseum museum and library just finished undergoing extensive renovations, and as a result, has created a special reading room for visitors. Creative Adventurers are encouraged to come into the reading room to read items from the library since they cannot borrow them. The reading room also has a comprehensive collection of historical reference books. A staff member is on hand inside to answer any questions you might have about the collections or the library itself. This is such a great resource, so don’t miss out on this opportunity if you are interested in art history.
The Rijksmuseum Research Library is a must for anyone interested in art and culture, offering a unique opportunity to explore the collections and research projects of one of the world’s leading museums.
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