Rijksmuseum Van Oudheden

Netherlands · Museums & Institutions

The Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, or National Museum of Antiquities, is located in Leiden, Netherlands. It is the country's leading archaeological museum, focusing on ancient civilizations and the history of the Netherlands from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages. The museum features extensive collections from ancient Egypt, the Near East, classical Greece, Etruria, and Rome, as well as artifacts from Dutch prehistory and the Roman period. Founded in 1743, the museum has grown significantly, particularly under the guidance of Caspar Reuvens, the first archaeology professor in the world. It offers permanent exhibitions, including a complete Egyptian temple and various artifacts, alongside temporary exhibitions like *Bronze Age: Fires of Change*. Educational programs, such as lectures and scavenger hunts, cater to diverse audiences, including families and scholars. The museum also provides facilities like a restaurant and a shop, and it participates in the Netherlands Museum Pass program, allowing access to numerous museums across the country.