Voorgevel Rijksmuseum van Oudheden
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National Museum of Antiquities Leiden

4.5
·6k reviews·Leiden, Netherlands

Explore ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and more at the National Museum of Antiquities in Leiden. Home to the stunning Temple of Taffeh!

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration.

CrowdLow
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Voorgevel Rijksmuseum van Oudheden

National Museum of Antiquities Leiden

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration.

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and more at the National Museum of Antiquities in Leiden. Home to the stunning Temple of Taffeh!

4.5
(6k reviews)

"Absolutely beautiful and interesting museum!! A lot of great pieces from ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome."

Vertical photo
TIP

🗣️ English Info Limited

Most exhibit descriptions are in Dutch. Use your phone for translations or check for an audio guide.

⏳ Allow ample time

Don't rush! You'll want 3-4 hours to see the highlights, especially the Egyptian section.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 6,341 reviews

Type

Museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Temple of Taffeh

Temple of Taffeh

Entrance Hall

A magnificent ancient Egyptian temple, relocated and reconstructed within the museum. A truly awe-inspiring sight!

Instagram
Egyptian Collection

Egyptian Collection

Ancient Egypt Wing

Discover mummies, sarcophagi, and artifacts spanning thousands of years of Egyptian history.

InstagramReddit
Roman Glass Bowl

Roman Glass Bowl

Roman Collection

A remarkably preserved 2,000-year-old blue glass bowl, a rare find from a Roman dig.

Instagram
Bronze Age Gold Cape

Bronze Age Gold Cape

Prehistoric Collection

An exquisite gold shoulder cape from around 1900 B.C., crafted from a single ingot.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Book Tickets in Advance

While not always strictly necessary, booking tickets online for the National Museum of Antiquities in Leiden can save you time, especially during peak seasons. Check for special exhibitions that might require timed entry. Reddit

Allocate Enough Time

To truly appreciate the extensive collections, especially the Egyptian artifacts, plan for at least 3-4 hours. Many visitors wish they had more time to explore. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration.
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Tour groups often depart by then.
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

I’m speechless of the beauty, hail hekate 🖤 😭 📍National Museum of Antiquities - Leiden, Netherlands 🇳🇱 #hekate #orphichymns #romanianwitch #traveltok #realwitchcraft #pagan
@ravestonia
38.8K likes • 150K views

🗣️ English Info Limited

Most exhibit descriptions are in Dutch. Use your phone for translations or check for an audio guide. Reddit

⏳ Allow ample time

Don't rush! You'll want 3-4 hours to see the highlights, especially the Egyptian section. Reddit

A few impressions of the nice visit of Rijksmuseum van Oudheden (National Museum of Antiquities) in Leiden today. #rijksmuseumvanoudheden #nationalmuseumofantiquities #rijksmuseumleiden #leiden #museum #visitleiden #leidengram #antiquity #antiquities #leidengram #museumday #arthistory #ihavethisthingwithmuseum #arthistorylover #artwatcher_united #picturegallery #peopleinmuseum #culturetrip #cult...
majachrisart
294 likes • 1.7K views
متحف الرايكسميوزيوم فان أودهدن (المتحف القومي للآثار) موجود في مدينة لايدن في هولاندا المتحف بيضم معبد مصري (هحكلكم عنه اكتر في فيديو لوحده) و ٨٠٠٠ قطعة آثار مصرية معروض منهم حوالي ١٨٠٠ حد زار المتحف ده قبل كده؟ #مصر #اثار_مصرية #هولندا #ليدن The Rijksmuseum van Oudheden (the National Museum of Antiquities) is located in the city of Leiden in the Netherlands. The museum houses an Egyptian tem...
menna_is_here
1.3K likes • 30.2K views

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly Fun

Great interactive exhibits and activities make it a hit with kids and families. Reddit

💳 Student Free Entry

Students often get free entry with a student ID. Ask at the ticket counter! Reddit

📍The Rijksmuseum van Oudheden (National Museum of Antiquities) an archaeological musem located at the Rapenburg 28 in Leiden 🇳🇱🗿 📸: Amazing Reel by @f___l___v___t___ #leiden #rijksmuseumvanoudheden #nationalmuseumofantiquities #rapenburg
leidentoday
136 likes • 887 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🗣️ English Info Limited

Most exhibit descriptions are in Dutch. Use your phone for translations or check for an audio guide. Reddit

⏳ Allow ample time

Don't rush! You'll want 3-4 hours to see the highlights, especially the Egyptian section. Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly Fun

Great interactive exhibits and activities make it a hit with kids and families. Reddit

💳 Student Free Entry

Students often get free entry with a student ID. Ask at the ticket counter! Reddit

🏛️ Combine with other sites

Leiden has other great museums and attractions like Hortus Botanicus. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(6k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the National Museum of Antiquities in Leiden for its impressive collections, particularly the Egyptian artifacts and the relocated Temple of Taffeh. It's highly recommended for families due to its engaging displays. However, the limited English information on exhibit labels is a common point of feedback, requiring visitors to rely on audio guides or translation apps.

"I visited this museum in Leiden and honestly, it felt like stepping through a time portal. The Egyptian statues, Roman sculptures, and ancient artifacts are displayed with such elegance that history almost whispers to you. The highlight for me was the beautifully lit Temple of Taffeh—breathtaking in its quiet majesty. It’s not just a museum, it’s a gentle walk through centuries of human story. A must-visit for anyone who loves the past wrapped in grace."

AJay Sadh

"There are great collections of Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Persian, Cypriot, and other civilizations.

The English audio guide is informative for some specific objects, but there is no information in English for most of the objects. The data is only available in Dutch.

I spent about 3-4 hours in the museum and skipped a chunk of it due to a lack of time."

SM

"An amazing place! It truly feels like stepping back in time. It’s both educational and fun for adults and children. The place looks beautiful, the atmosphere is wonderful, and everything is well cared for. Definitely a highly recommended visit"

Ubeyd

What People Like

Impressive Egyptian collection
Temple of Taffeh
Family-friendly exhibits

What People Dislike

Limited English labels

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is centrally located in Leiden. You can easily reach it by public transport. Leiden Centraal station is a short walk or bus ride away. Many visitors arrive via public transport from other cities. Reddit

Parking in Leiden can be challenging and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transportation or park at a P+R (Park and Ride) facility outside the city center and take a bus or train in. Reddit

Yes, it's a pleasant walk of about 15-20 minutes from Leiden Centraal station to the National Museum of Antiquities. The route is well-signposted. Instagram

Trains are a very convenient way to reach Leiden from major Dutch cities like Amsterdam or The Hague. The museum is then easily accessible from the train station. Reddit

Leiden is a bike-friendly city. There are usually bike racks available near major attractions, including the museum, but it's always wise to secure your bike properly. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices vary, but generally, adult admission is around €15-€18. Students often get free entry with a valid student ID, though verification can vary. InstagramReddit

Yes, you can purchase tickets at the museum's ticket counter. However, booking online in advance is recommended, especially for special exhibitions or during busy periods, to guarantee entry and save time. Reddit

Discounts are often available for students, children, and seniors. The museum also participates in various museum passes like the Museumkaart, which offers free entry. Instagram

The museum is typically open from Tuesday to Sunday, usually from 10 AM to 5 PM. It's always best to check the official website for the most up-to-date opening hours and any potential closures. Instagram

The museum generally strives to be accessible. Most areas are reachable, and there are facilities for visitors with mobility issues. It's advisable to contact the museum directly for specific accessibility needs. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

The Temple of Taffeh in the entrance hall is a highlight. The extensive Egyptian collection, including mummies and sarcophagi, is a major draw. Don't miss the Roman glass bowl and Bronze Age gold cape. InstagramReddit+2

Yes, an English audio guide is available for some specific objects, offering more in-depth information. However, most exhibit labels are in Dutch. Reddit

Absolutely! It's considered one of the best museums in the Netherlands for children and families, with interactive elements and engaging displays. Reddit

Most visitors spend around 3-4 hours to see the main collections. Some may need more time if they delve deeply into each exhibit or if there's a special exhibition. Reddit

Photography for personal use is generally allowed, but without flash. Always check for specific signage regarding photography restrictions in certain areas or for particular artifacts. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The museum typically has a cafe or restaurant where you can get refreshments and light snacks. It's a convenient spot to take a break during your visit. Instagram

It's generally not permitted to consume your own food and drinks inside the exhibition halls. There might be designated areas for picnics or a cafe where you can purchase items. Reddit

Leiden offers a wide array of restaurants, cafes, and eateries within walking distance of the museum. You can find everything from traditional Dutch cuisine to international options. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography for personal use is generally permitted, but please refrain from using flash, as it can damage delicate artifacts. Instagram

While not common, some temporary exhibitions might have specific restrictions. Always look for signage indicating 'no photography' zones. Instagram

The Temple of Taffeh is a stunning backdrop. The well-lit display cases of the Egyptian and Roman collections also offer great photo opportunities. InstagramReddit

Tripods and selfie sticks are usually not allowed inside museums to prevent obstruction and potential damage. It's best to check the museum's specific policy. Instagram

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