Museum Het Rembrandthuis, Amsterdam

I really enjoyed this museum! It is beautifully restored and you feel as if you walked into the back door of a friend’s home while they were at the market. You literally step back in time!! You see his etches on his desk in his studio! You see the light he painted by in the salon! It is incredible! The narrow, winding wooden stairwell is an architectural masterpiece in its own right. It was a joy to visit! There were an individual audio device available in many languages for your private viewing pleasure.

No Rembrandt Paintings, just a reproduction of his house! If you love Rembrandt, this may be interesting to see where he painted and lived. However, it feels a bit contrived since EVERYTHING is a reproduction. Rembrandt when bankrupt and all his possessions were sold. So this house is filled with furniture that experts believe was there. Also, many surfaces (floors/walls/etc) seem pristine, which is impossible if original from the 1600’s. Also annoying, there are some Rembrandt etchings/sketches displayed, but no actual paintings of his. Every painting I saw was from a contemporary or his pupil, (some copies of his work). I really wish they had at least a few actual Rembrandt paintings. Left feeling this tour a bit let down, but would have felt better if I’d actually read about this place first to know what to expect. All in all, it was interesting if you have time, but would not make this place a priority. Not surprisingly, his paintings are high value and are displayed in real art museums.