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Exhibition

ASIAN BRONZE

With masterpieces on display for the first time in Europe

From Shiva and the Buddha to wine casks and weapons. Everything about bronze triggers your senses. For centuries, this material has played a central role in the traditions of Asia. Now you too can experience the beauty of bronze art at last.

A startling new angle on ancient Asian art

The Guardian

EXPERIENCE BRONZE

Describing bronze art as merely ‘beautiful’ does not do it full justice. Bronze is so much more than a visual experience. What does bronze sound like, for instance? Come and immerse yourself in the magic of these shimmering metal objects, the almost 75 tangible memories of the cultures that produced them.

The bronze pieces have withstood centuries of use while retaining their beauty and mystery

The Times

RICH IMPRESSION

This exhibition is a unique celebration of 4000 years of Asian bronze, with masterpieces from India , China, Indonesia, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Pakistan, Nepal and Korea . Ranging from prehistoric objects to contemporary artworks, and from everyday items to depictions of gods, each one is a display of astonishing skill and dazzling imagination.

LOANED WORKS

Many of the objects in this exhibition have been loaned by other museums, both Western and Asian. One of the six works loaned by the National Museum in Bangkok is Buddha Protected by the Naga , which is leaving Thailand for the first time. Other loaned works have come from Indonesia (Sonobudoyo Museum, Yogyakarta), India (Bihar Museum, Patna) and Pakistan (National Museum, Karachi).

DESIGN

Dutch designer Aldo Bakker designed the exhibition. Irma Boom is responsible for the graphic design.

Accessibility

The exhibition is wheelchair accessible.

Please note, in the second-to-last room, the sound of bells can be heard every full hour. This will take 5 minutes.

On 23 November there will be a sensory-friendly evening.

MORE

The exhibition is accompanied by a book written by the exhibition’s curators, titled Asian Bronze. 4000 Years of Beauty . We are also holding a symposium on Asian bronze on 9 and 10 January 2025.

Audio Tour: Asian Bronze

Embark on a journey through past and present Asia with our audio tour, highlighting nine fascinating objects and their stories. Animations reveal the ancient techniques of bronze-making and casting, spanning thousands of years. Discover the myths and legends that surround these artifacts and explore how these stories and symbols enhance both the function and beauty of each piece.

Languages: Dutch / English
Price: €6.50, or free to download via the Rijksmuseum app.

THANKS

Asian Bronze. 4000 Years of Beauty has come about thanks to the indispensable support of the Bagri Foundation, the Flora Fund/Rijksmuseum Fund, Rijksmuseum Friends and the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science.

Visit Asian Bronze and the Rijksmuseum

Select your tickets

Entrance adult

€22.50

Entrance ages 18 and under

Free

Entrance EYCA

€11.25

I already have a ticket/voucher

Free

Select this option if you already have a valid ticket such as an E-ticket, I amsterdam City Card, VriendenLoterij VIP ticket, GoCity, KOG membership card, KVVAK, Rembrandt Association (Vereniging Rembrandt), or if you are accompanying a visitor with a disability. If you have a pass, be sure to bring the pass with you during your visit. It will be checked at the entrance.

You are required to reserve a starting time.

For employees of our partners, a free employee access arrangement applies. If you have any questions, you can also check directly with your employer.

For holders of an ICOM or ICOMOS-card, it is not necessary to reserve a start time. However, please bring the physical card with you during your visit, as it will be checked at the entrance.

Entrance Netherlands Museum Pass

Free

Choose this option only if you hold a Museum Card. You can book 1 ticket per Museum Card. All visitors are required to book a time slot. Please do not book more time slots than you need.

You wish to order {{totalArticles}} tickets. Currently we allow a maximum of 15 persons per booking.

Total

27 Sep 2024 to 12 Jan 2025

PRICES

  • Adults: €22.50
  • Free for 18 and under
  • Free for Friends

See all prices

START TIME

A visit starts with a start time.

ADDRESS

Museumstraat 1
1071 XX Amsterdam

ACCESSIBILITY

Wheelchair access
Guide dogs allowed
Lifts on every floor

CASHLESS

In the whole museum you can only pay with your favourite digital payment method or credit card. This applies to all shops and catering outlets.

FAQ

Free cloak room
Photography allowed
Free WiFi

All practical info
Video

Asian Bronze

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Asian bronze