The Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, also known as the National Museum of Antiquities, features an impressive collection of historical artefacts, divided into some main collections: Ancient Egypt, Classical Antiquity, the Ancient Near East, Prehistoric, Roman and Medieval Netherlands. In fact, the Egyptian collection is one of the top ten most important of such collections in the world. The Netherlands in prehistory section practically contains the most comprehensive collection of Dutch artefacts in any museum.

Founded by King William I in 1818, the museum’s collection of artefacts has been essential in depicting the development of cultures over time. The architectural structure of the museum is impressive, as it serves to enhance your understanding of the respective cultures, with a columbarium including genuine busts and containers from a Roman columbaria, just to name an example. And for those who are not squeamish, there are, in fact, actual skeletons, originating from different periods. When you see the 2000-year-old Egyptian Temple of Taffeh in the central hall, don’t pinch yourself; it’s real! As for your little ones, they will have plenty of fun participating in the activities at the different exhibits.