SOPHIE OOSTERWIJK was born in Gouda (Netherlands). Has an MA and PhD in English Literature (Leiden), an MA in Medieval Studies (York) and a PhD in Art History (Leicester).She has taught at the universities of St Andrews, Leicester and Manchester, Sotheby’s Institute of Art, National Trust, V&A, U3A, WEA and other organisations, and organised many study days, tours and visits. She is also a regular lecturer for Cambridge University and travel companies, and Honorary Research Fellow with the School of Art History at the University of St Andrews. She has numerous publications.

This lecture offers an introduction to the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam: the collection, the building, its history and the recent 10-year renovation that brought back the splendour of architect Pierre Cuypers' original neo-gothic decorations. The collection of the Rijksmuseum includes works by Hals, Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh as well as medieval art, jewellery, musical instruments, Asian art and even an FK 23 Bantam plane from 1918. It also has Rembrandt's famous Night Watch - but only on loan! All this and much more about the most famous museum in the Netherlands.