Building Rating 80% of readers like the Netherlands State Museum.
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A n immense Neo-Gothic building housing some of the most famous and amazing art and artifacts in the world. When it opened, its design came under fire by ardent Calvinists who thought it was too ornate, and that the architect went beyond what be promised in the proposal approved by the city. It turns out, they were correct. Cuypers visited the construction site personally and secretly put details back in that he had removed in order to get his plan approved. No doubt, the Calvinists would look down their nose at the gold leaf that adorns this palace of history. But one hundred years later, Amsterdam accepts the building as one of its finest landmarks. Where to enter depends on what you want to see. If you're into Dutch history, use the left entrance. For great painters, use the right entrance. Whatever you do, don't try to see the whole collection in one day. This museum is Big -- over 150 rooms. Doing a marathon tour will only give you blisters.
