van gogh museum

After a fun and relaxing morning, we decided to visit the Van Gogh Museum.  I thought Bennett had a chance to play his heart out already so he would be good with spending a couple of hours at a museum.

We couldn't take any pictures inside the museum.  This was the largest collection of Van Gogh works I have ever experienced in one place.  It was really interesting to see the range of his works as well as his artistic growth throughout his career.  I am happy we could enjoy this unique experience.  Bennett was not having as much fun though so we practically ran through the museum.

Since we got done with the Van Gogh museum earlier than expected, we decided to go to the Rijksmuseum across the street.   It is a Netherlands national museum dedicated to arts and history in Amsterdam.The museum has on display 8,000 objects of art and history, from their total collection of 1 million objects from the years 1200–2000, among which are some masterpieces by Rembrandt, Frans Hals, and Johannes Vermeer.  In 2013, it was the most visited museum in the Netherlands with a record number of 2.2 million visitors.  

There was a nice lawn between the museums where a lot of people were picnicking out and enjoying the beautiful weather.  And, we couldn't miss the opportunity for a photo opt in from of the I amsterdam sign.  An introduction, a slogan, a statement of inclusion, and a physical icon - I amsterdam is the city's and its resident's collective catch phrase. 

Bennett liked climbing on the fancy benches lining the pool in front of the Rijksmuseum.

We finally made it inside the museum.  This place is huge!  The lobby alone was gigantic.  

We needed a plan of attack.  So we looked up the few artworks we didn't want to miss and headed their way.  On our way there we saw loads of interesting things as well.  The pistols below belonged to Napoleon.

This is the standard set for weights and measurements that Napoleon established in 1812 called Mesures usuelles.    

A beautiful collection of gold china from a Russian tsarina.

The incredible hall separating the collections in the museum.

Bennett was on his best behavior in the museum.  He enjoyed being pulled around in his stroller. 

I couldn't tell you about all of the amazing art works we saw because there were so many.  

This is the "Milkmaid" by Johannes Vermeer.  It is one of the most sought after works for viewing in the museum.

Followed by the art works of Rembrandt.  

I have to admit that "The Night Watch" is impressive.  It's larger than I expected.

We spent about two hours at the museum before heading back to the Damiani's.  We enjoyed our walk back along the canals.

And, we made a pit stop at a cheese shop for some tasting.  Bennett actually tried a little bit of goat cheese.  

We enjoyed dinner and conversation with our friends about our adventures to finish off the day.