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Display cases with ancient pots and vases at the National Museum of Antiquities in Leiden

Rijksmuseum van Oudheden — Egypt, Greece and Rome in Leiden

The National Museum of Antiquities (Rijksmuseum van Oudheden) on the Rapenburg canal is the Netherlands' national archaeology museum: Egyptian mummies and sarcophagi, Greek and Roman sculpture, and the complete Temple of Taffeh standing in the entrance hall.

What to see

The Egyptian galleries are the highlight, with human and animal mummies, coffins and the reconstructed Temple of Taffeh — a gift from Egypt to the Netherlands. Further floors cover Greece, Rome, the Near East and archaeology of the Low Countries.

Egyptian limestone double statue of a couple at the National Museum of Antiquities in Leiden
Egyptian double statue
Display case of turquoise ushabti figurines from ancient Egypt at the National Museum of Antiquities
Ushabti figurines
Display case with medieval swords from Dutch archaeology at the National Museum of Antiquities
Swords from the Low Countries

Practical information

The museum sits at Rapenburg 28, a ten-minute walk from Leiden Centraal station. Book tickets and timed entry online, allow two to three hours, and expect English labelling throughout the Egyptian and classical galleries.

  • Rapenburg 28, a 10-minute walk from Leiden Centraal.
  • Allow two to three hours; a family visit with the mummy hunt takes longer.
  • Museumkaart accepted; buy timed tickets online in school holidays.
  • Fully suitable for children from about six years old.

Location, opening hours & tickets

Address

Rijksmuseum van Oudheden
Rapenburg 28
2311 EW Leiden

12-minute walk from Leiden Centraal

Get directions Official website

Opening hours

MondayClosed
Tuesday10:00–17:00
Wednesday10:00–17:00
Thursday10:00–17:00
Friday10:00–17:00
Saturday10:00–17:00
Sunday10:00–17:00

Admission

€ 16Museumkaart accepted

Opening hours and prices are indicative — check the official website before your visit, especially around public holidays.

Frequently asked questions

What are the opening hours of Rijksmuseum van Oudheden?
Rijksmuseum van Oudheden is open on Tue–Sun 10:00–17:00. Closed on Mon. Hours are indicative; check the official website around public holidays.
How much is a ticket for Rijksmuseum van Oudheden?
A standard adult ticket for Rijksmuseum van Oudheden costs around € 16. Children and students usually pay less. Entry is included with a Museumkaart.
Can you buy tickets for Rijksmuseum van Oudheden online?
Tickets for Rijksmuseum van Oudheden are sold at the desk or via the official website. Our tickets page does offer combination tickets for other Leiden attractions.
How do I get to Rijksmuseum van Oudheden?
Rijksmuseum van Oudheden is a 12-minute walk from Leiden Centraal. Arriving by car? Use a city-centre car park and walk the last stretch.
When is Rijksmuseum van Oudheden least busy?
Weekday mornings just after opening and the final hour before closing are the quietest times at Rijksmuseum van Oudheden. School holidays, Sundays and public holidays are busiest.