Bob had always kinda liked art, but he wouldn't call himself an “art guy.” Still, he’d heard people talk about The Night Watch — that massive, moody painting by Rembrandt that everyone seems to freak out about. So on his second day in Amsterdam, he decided to learn more about the man behind the brush.
A quick search brought him to the Rembrandt House Museum, located right in the center of the city. “Wait — he lived here?” Bob muttered to himself, standing outside a beautiful 17th-century house. He didn’t know what to expect, but he was curious enough to step inside.
And good thing he did.
The house had been fully restored to look just like it did when Rembrandt lived and worked there nearly 400 years ago. As Bob wandered through the rooms, he could almost imagine the famous artist walking down the same narrow staircases, sketching by the window, or mixing paint in his studio upstairs.
He saw the art studio, where Rembrandt gave lessons to his students — the room filled with light and lined with fascinating tools and ingredients for making pigments. He also checked out Rembrandt’s collection room, packed with rare objects and curiosities: seashells, busts, weapons, and even a stuffed crocodile (yes, really).
But what really made Bob pause was the tiny bed in the maid’s quarters.
“Wait… people slept in that?” he asked a nearby staff member.
Apparently, yes. Beds in Rembrandt’s time were short and box-like, and people believed sleeping half-sitting up was healthier. Bob laughed. “Good for your lungs or something?” he guessed. Probably.
The museum also had prints and etchings, some of which were surprisingly detailed and funny. And for a place packed with history, it didn’t feel boring at all. In fact, it was super kid-friendly, with special audio guides and activities for younger visitors.
Bob left the Rembrandt House genuinely impressed — not just with the art, but with the stories and weird little details that brought the 1600s to life.
So, if you’re in Amsterdam and curious about one of its most iconic artists (or just want to see an absurdly short bed), Bob totally recommends it.
