This lecture looks at the collection in the Rijksmuseum, the building, its history and the recent 10-year renovation that brought back the splendour of architect Pierre Cuyper’s original neo-gothic decorations. Besides the art of Hals, Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh there is medieval art, jewellery, musical instruments, Asian art and even an FK23 Bantam plane from 1918. Expect a cornucopia of exciting content from this celebrated museum in the Netherlands. Sophie Oosterwijk was born in Gouda and 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 organised many talks and tours. Sophie is also a regular lecturer for Cambridge University, travel companies and is Vice-President of the Church Monuments Society. Sophie has published three books and numerous articles.