During the summer holidays, there is plenty to do at Rembrandt’s home! Draw, etch, or go on a multimedia tour with Rembrandt’s dog, Kwast. And paint and etch at Rembrandt’s home!
This year, Amsterdam celebrates its 750 anniversary. The city has much to offer, for residents and visitors alike. That was also the case in the old days. Look at Amsterdam through Rembrandt’s eyes and discover what had already made the city unique 400 years ago. Admire old buildings, unusual places and beautiful surroundings. Enjoy the art, culture and entertainment. Meet interesting people. Spot well-known Amsterdam residents. And find out whether the city already had a red light district in the seventeenth century. You can see it all in this exhibition containing 60 prints and drawings from the collection of the Rembrandt House Museum.
Draw like Rembrandt
In our drawing studio (on the third floor of the exhibition wing), you can make a drawing just like Rembrandt did. Rembrandt often went outside to draw. He made drawings in the city and in the surroundings of Amsterdam. He sketched landscapes and people, but sometimes also buildings that he found beautiful. In 1654, Rembrandt drew the Montelbaantoren, directly across from his house. Try it yourself in a few simple steps. Drawing tables, drawing materials, and an easy instruction are all set up for you. This activity is free, always available, and suitable for everyone from 6 years old.
Etching like Rembrandt
Step into Rembrandt’s footsteps during our workshops ‘Etching at Rembrandt’s home’. From July 12th through August 24th, you can add your own twist to an Amsterdam etching from the exhibition by experimenting with the drypoint technique! On a large etching press, you will print two prints, which you can take home afterwards. Click here for more information on this workshop
Go on an adventure with Kwast
Rembrandt was not only a very good artist, he was also a great animal lover. Animals appear in many paintings and etchings. One animal does feature remarkably often: his dog Kwast. Kwast knows all the secret nooks and crannies in the house. An ideal guide! The new multimedia tour takes you on an adventure through The Rembrandt House Museum, together with Kwast. Afterwards you will receive a little gift!
Days and times: every day during opening hours
Age group: children from 6 to 12 years old, parents
Free, available at the multimedia counter
Take a look in the museum shop after your visit, where you will find the stuffed toy version of Kwast. That way you will also have a piece of Rembrandt at home.
How did Rembrandt make his paint and etchings?
You can join free paint- and etch-demonstrations at the museum. In Rembrandt’s atelier you can discover how he made his paint, and what items he used – from toxic lead and bright red lice, to fragrant linseed oil and even pig bladders! During the summer holiday from July 12th through August 24th, you can get to work yourself too: mix paint on the paint stone and turn it into something beautiful on a canvas. In the etching loft, you can see the step by step process of how Rembrandt made his etchings. Can you spot Kwast in one of his etchings? Everyone gets to take a print (an etching or postcard) home.
Hours: Between 10:30am and 3:30pm
Reservations are not required for the multimedia tour or the demonstration
Turn your visit into a full day out in Amsterdam!
Step into Rembrandt’s world and experience Amsterdam the way he once did. Add a city walk or Rembrandt cruise to your itinerary.
Walk with Rembrandt
Wander through the historic streets where Rembrandt lived and worked. Discover hidden spots, personal stories, and iconic locations that shaped his life. Click here for the free walking tour.
Cruise with Rembrandt
See the city from the water, just like in the 17th century. This atmospheric canal cruise takes you past locations connected to Rembrandt’s life and his contemporaries. Book the Rembrandt cruise here.
