National Museum of Antiquities (Rijksmuseum van Oudheden)

The National Museum of Antiquities (Rijksmuseum van Oudheden) in Leiden is a captivating destination for anyone fascinated by ancient civilizations. Housed in a historic townhouse along the Rapenburg canal, the museum welcomes visitors with an authentic Egyptian temple as its reception area—a fitting introduction to its world-class collection. As one of the Netherlands’ oldest museums, it boasts over 150,000 archaeological objects from ancient Egypt, the Near East, Greece, Rome, and the early Low Countries.

The museum’s Egyptian collection is among the top ten in the world, featuring mummies, statues, and everyday objects that bring the world of the pharaohs to life. Permanent exhibitions also explore the Classical World, the Roman presence in the Netherlands, and the region’s archaeological history stretching back 300,000 years. Temporary exhibitions, such as “Discovering Ancient Egypt” and “Dreaming of Egypt,” offer fresh perspectives on familiar themes.

Open daily from 10:00 to 17:00 (with extended hours on Thursday evenings), the museum is accessible to visitors of all ages. Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office, and a variety of payment options are available. While street parking in Leiden’s center is limited, several parking garages and the Haagweg lot are nearby. Whether you’re drawn by ancient artifacts, interactive displays, or the atmospheric setting, the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden offers a memorable journey through the world’s great civilizations.