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Leiden, where Rembrandt saw the light

Young Rembrandt

Young Rembrandt

Rembrandt van Rijn was born in 1606, the ninth child of a miller in Leiden. Here he saw the light and grew up in relative prosperity. In the seventeenth century he grew to become a great artist. This Golden Age of the Netherlands can still be clearly seen and felt in Leiden.

Young Rembrandt Studio

In the Young Rembrandt Studio, the 17th-century house at Langebrug 89 in Leiden, Rembrandt spent his younger years (1606 – 1630) learning how to draw, paint and make etchings at the hand of his mentor Jacob van Swanenburgh.  This is a unique stop on the Leiden Rembrandt route that gives a glimpse into the life of the young Rembrandt. A special seven-minute 3D-video experience introduces you to the young master painter and the most important key figures in his life. 

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Leiden Rembrandt Days

Curious about Rembrandt's Leiden? You can experience it during the Leiden Rembrandt Days. On Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 July 2025, the entire Pieters- and Academiewijk will be transformed into the most authentic seventeenth-century atmospheres possible, complete with several hundred actors and extras, historical utensils and other props from that time.

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In the footsteps of the young Rembrandt

  • Rembrandt Route

    With the Rembrandt Route you take a walk along all historical Rembrandt locations. A nice walk in the footsteps of the most famous grandmaster of the 17th century. You can pick up the Rembrandt Route for €6.95 at VVV Leiden.

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  • Rembrandt sailing and walking route

    During a one-hour cruise through the historic canals and canals of Leiden, a guide from De Leidse Rederij will tell you on board about the life of Rembrandt van Rijn in his hometown of Leiden. After the boat trip, the walking guide will take you for an hour to visit the highlights that are not or poorly visible from the water.

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Have your portrait sketched by Rembrandt himself!

Rembrandt was ten years old when he went to the Latin School, which he attended from 1616 to 1620. The forerunner of today’s grammar school, the Latin School provided preparatory training for university. Conversations and lessons were held exclusively in Latin. It was here that Rembrandt also first learned to sketch. He studied drawing here with Henricus Rieverlinck, his first art teacher.

Get a portrait sketch

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In the footsteps of the young Rembrandt

  • Rembrandt Route

    The Rembrandt Route takes you on a walking tour past all the city's historic Rembrandt locations. With the newest smartphones you can add some really cool AR elements to the tour, just download the app! This is a great walk in the footsteps of the most famous master painter from the Golden Age of the Netherlands. Pick up the Rembrandt Route from the Leiden VVV tourist office for just € 6.95.

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  • AR Rembrandt Route app

    The Rembrandt Route is even more fun if you download the AR Rembrandt Route app. In this Augmented Reality app, Rembrandt expert and writer Onno Blom takes you to seven special locations. Use your telephone to bring the history of Rembrandt in the Golden Age to life!

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