Vermeer

Never before were you able to see so many of Johannes Vermeer's paintings in one exhibition. We will bring most of Vermeer's paintings together from all over the world. Take your chance to get to know the painter and get closer to Vermeer.

Johannes Vermeer

Johannes Vermeer (1632-1675) lived and worked in Delft. His work is best known for his tranquil, introverted indoor scenes, his unprecedented use of bright, colorful light and his convincing illusionism.

In contrast to Rembrandt, Vermeer left a remarkably small oeuvre with about 35 paintings. As his paintings are generally considered the most prized treasures of every museum collection, Vermeer paintings are rarely lent out.

The Absolute Vermeer, in a Show More Precious Than Pearls

The New York Times

International loans

The exhibition will include masterpieces such as The Girl with a Pearl Earring (Mauritshuis, The Hague), The Geographer (Städel Museum, Frankfurt am Main), Lady Writing a Letter with her Maid (The National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin) and Woman Holding a Balance (The National Gallery of Art, Washington DC).

Works never before shown to the public in the Netherlands will include the newly restored Girl Reading a Letter at the Open Window from the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister in Dresden.

Biggest ever Vermeer show to take place at the Rijksmuseum in 2023—and it will include the Girl with the Pearl Earring

The Art Newspaper

Research together with the Mauritshuis museum

Preparations for the exhibition are currently underway. The research focuses on Vermeer's artistry, his artistic choices and motivations for his compositions, as well as into the creative process of his paintings.

For this exhibition we work closely with the Mauritshuis in The Hague. A team of curators, restorers and natural scientists to examine in depth the seven paintings by Vermeer in Dutch possession. Works by Vermeer from other collections are also involved in this project.

Closer to Vermeer: an online exploration with Stephen Fry

We bring the magic of Vermeer to life in this online exploration of all of his 37 paintings. Let Stephen Fry or Joy Delima take you past the most beautiful details and the most intriguing stories. Or get to work yourself and discover the stories behind the paintings. Zoom in, compare and create your own collection. What discoveries will you make?

Start 'Closer to Johannes Vermeer'

Attention to Vermeer

The Vermeer exhibition has received a lot of attention.

Dive into the press releases here

We thank

The exhibition Vermeer is made possible in part by Ammodo, Bockbusterfonds, Rijksmuseum Fonds, Rijksmuseum International Circle, Rijksmuseum Patrons and the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science.

Closer to Johannes Vermeer

10 February - 4 June 2023
Start time required
FAQ

FAQ

Photography allowed
Free WiFi

All FAQ

Start time

A visit starts with a start time. Only Friends of the museum can come when they want without booking.

Please take note: some evenings on Thursday, Friday and Saturday are excepted for evening openings. Click here for the full overview of available evening openings.

Opening hours

In March, the exhibition is open on:

Sunday to Wednesday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Thursday to Saturday 9am - 11pm*

*With the exception of events

From April, the exhibition is open on:

Monday to Sunday 9am - 11pm*

*With the exception of events

Address

Museumstraat 1
1071 XX Amsterdam

Accessibility

Wheelchair access
Guide dogs allowed
Lifts on every floor

All practical info

Experience online with Stephen Fry

Closer to Vermeer

Come along to explore his life and all his paintings

In the exhibition

Which paintings will you see?