Dutch National Museum of Antiquities
The Dutch National Museum of Antiquities brings archaeology and the ancient world to life. Visitors can explore the civilizations of Egypt, the ancient Near East, Persia, Syria, Iraq, the Classical World, and the Netherlands during prehistoric, Roman, and medieval times.
History of the Museum
The museum was founded in 1818. Throughout the 19th century, objects from classical antiquity and ancient Egypt were added to the collection. Until World War II, it was the only official Dutch institution conducting archaeological excavations. On July 1, 1995, the museum became an independent non-profit organization managing the Dutch national archaeological collection.
In recent years, the museum’s annual visitors have ranged from 150,000 in 2011 to 223,000 in 2018. In 2018, the museum celebrated its 200th anniversary and
Collections
The museum holds approximately 180,000 objects, divided into four primary categories:
1- Egypt and Nubia
2- Classical Antiquity (Greeks, Romans, and Etruscans)
3- The Ancient Near East
4- The Netherlands (Prehistory, Roman period, and the Middle Ages)
One of the museum’s highlights is its top-ten world-renowned Egyptian collection, which includes a 2,000-year-old Egyptian temple from Taffeh, gifted by Egypt to the Netherlands for their role in a UNESCO rescue operation in the 1960s.
Classical World Collection
The Classical World collection covers Ancient Greece, Etruria, and the Roman Empire. Visitors can explore the rich cultural and historical heritage of these civilizations.
Ancient Near East Collection
The Near East collection contains around 18,000 objects, spanning 13,000 years of history. This collection is essential as a cultural crossroads between Ancient Egypt, Syria, Iraq Persia and Graeco-Roman civilizations.
Masterpieces from Ancient Iran
Recently, the museum expanded its collection by acquiring seventy ancient weapons and artifacts from the National Military Museum. These include bronze weapons, harnesses, jewelry, and kitchenware from ancient Iran. Key pieces, such as a winged mythical creature bronze pin, are displayed in the permanent exhibition.
Key Highlights:
Lion's Head: A Masterpiece of Persian Metalwork
Greek historians such as Herodotus and Xenophon, writing in the fifth and fourth centuries BC, describe the extensive use of jewelry by Persian men and women. The treasures from Persian royal palaces and the elaborate attire of Persian armies were renowned for their magnificence. Among the popular motifs in Persian metalwork was the lion, symbolizing strength and nobility. Gold lion’s heads, used to adorn garments, were typically worn in pairs.
Ornaments serve more than just an aesthetic purpose; they convey information about the wearer’s wealth, rank, and status. They are often worn on special occasions such as weddings, parades, and rituals. Additionally, ornaments can be used as votive offerings to temples or as taxation ‘in kind’. Thus, these items are imbued with significance beyond their beauty.
This particular lion’s head is an exceptional example of Persian jewelry craftsmanship. The piece is finely proportioned, detailed, and highly sophisticated, showcasing the artistry of ancient Persian metalworkers.
Details:
Museum Number: B 1960/11.1
Dimensions: 5.3 x 4.9 cm
Material: Silver, gold
Period: 400 B.C.
Findspot: Iran, Hammadan
Bronze Objects from Luristan, Iran
The bronze objects from Luristan, Iran, date from 2600 to 600 BC. These artifacts originate from western Iran, specifically the rugged mountainous region of Luristan. Known for its fine quality and superb craftsmanship, Luristan bronzeware is characterized by its intricate decorations featuring highly stylized animal motifs.
These bronze objects were discovered in necropolises, suggesting they were associated with burial practices. The objects are thought to have belonged to a nomadic people, as no settlements have been identified in the areas surrounding the necropolises. The presence of bronze harnesses among the finds indicates that these people were likely horsemen.
Stories of Dutch explorers and archaeologists who played a role in acquiring these artifacts.
The collection emphasizes the Dutch relationship with the Near East over centuries, from the time of the Crusades to the Dutch Golden Age and beyond.
Permanent and Temporary Exhibitions
Permanent Exhibitions
1-Egypt and Nubia – Over 1,400 objects featuring mummies, coffins, and gods.
2- Classical World – The multi-faceted history of Ancient Greece, Etruria, and Rome.
3- Archaeology of the Netherlands – A unique exhibition showcasing 300,000 years of Dutch history through 75 archaeological sites.
4- The Netherlands in Roman Times – Over 450 objects detailing fortresses, commerce, religion, and daily life in Roman-era Netherlands.
5- Archaeology from Your Back Garden – A 10-meter display of finds from 350 Dutch municipalities.
6- The Dutch and the Ancient Near East – Featuring treasures from Persia, Mesopotamia, and Syria, focusing on Dutch archaeological efforts in the region.
Temporary Exhibitions
1- Bronze Age – (October 2024) An exhibition covering the Bronze Age in the Netherlands and Europe, featuring mighty swords, ritual objects, and elite treasures.
2- Fort Vechten – (Until January 2025) A display of Roman-era artifacts, including helmets, pottery, and masks from one of the largest Roman forts in the Netherlands.
Museum Services and Activities
The museum provides a variety of educational programs for all ages, from lectures to children’s activities. It also offers several facilities to enhance visitors’ experiences.
– Group Tours and Audio Guides
– Masterpieces Audio Tour – A free tour featuring 24 masterpieces, available in Dutch and German.
– Group Tours – Guided tours at €70 per hour (€90 on Sundays).
– Self-guided Group Visits – Discounts available for groups of 10+.
Facilities
– Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the museum.
– Photography is allowed (without flash), but selfie sticks and large bags are not permitted. Lockers are available.
– The museum is wheelchair accessible, with wheelchairs available for €2 deposit.
– Museum Café and Shop. The café offers a variety of daily specials, located near the Egyptian temple.
– The museum shop features souvenirs such as postcards, jewelry, and replicas of museum artifacts.
Practical Information
Full Name: Dutch National Museum of Antiquities (Rijksmuseum van Oudheden)
Founded: 1818 (Originally Leiden University’s ‘archaeological cabinet’)
Location: Rapenburg 28, 2311 EW Leiden, Netherlands
Website: www.rmo.nl/en/
Phone: (+31) (0)71 – 516 3163
Email: info@rmo.nl
Opening Hours: Daily 10:00 – 17:00
Admission Fees: Adults: € 14 Up to 18 years: Free Dutch Museum Card: Free
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