One of the guys from church (who has just finished his Art History thesis) offered to give anyone who was interested a Rembrandt Tour. Well, of course, WE were INTERESTED!!

We started the tour outside Centraal Station with a quick introduction to Rembrandts childhood in Leiden. Then caught a tram to Muntplein where we walked up a street close by where Rembrandt had one of his houses. It was here that we popped into a Hotel to see where Rembrandt's 'Night Watchmen' had hung at one stage! The original house had been owned by the commander who had commissioned Rembrandt to produce this painting for him.

In this hidden away section of the hotel there is only a photograph on the wall where the painting hung ~ the little bit of brick wall seen is an original part of the wall from Rembrandts time period. That was pretty cool to see!

Our little group then walked the back-streets to Rembrandthuis where he lived, worked and was a collector of eclectic artifacts. He spent about 20 years of his life in this very extravagant house.

Kiddos on the front steps.

This multi-level house is AMAZING to see! The basement kitchen to the attic gives a wonderful sense of this period of Rembrandts life, especially the wealth and recognition he enjoyed. As the tour when on we learned more about his life and Rembrandt the man. Each room is a feast indeed of art works - by other artists - he enjoyed collecting and his own works of art!

We were given an incredible look into how an etching was produced by Rembrandt and his professional tools of the trade. We were even given the etching from the demostation to take home with us!

After leaving the house we sat out the front and listened to the narration about the end of his life and how he died a poor man.

Right next to Rembrandthuis is Rembrandts Corner so we sat down for a coffee and a relaxing chat.

We were all enriched by these couple of hours!