Metamorphoses is the name of the current exhibition at the Rijksmuseum, and it is absolutely worth making time for.

All photos in this post were taken with the phone.

The exhibition is inspired by The Metamorphoses by the Roman poet Ovid, a text that has influenced artists for centuries. What makes this exhibition especially strong is how clearly those connections are explained. You move through different periods and artistic disciplines, seeing how the same stories are reinterpreted again and again, each time shaped by a different moment in history, a different medium, or a different way of seeing the world.

What I appreciated most was the clarity of the storytelling. The exhibition does not assume prior knowledge, but it also does not oversimplify. You are guided through the myths and their transformations in a way that feels thoughtful and accessible. One narrative can appear in painting, sculpture, drawing, or print, and seeing these variations side by side makes you slow down and really look.

Here I'm highlighting just a few works that stood out to me personally, but this exhibition rewards time and curiosity. There is much more to discover than what fits into a short visit or a single walkthrough.

I spent around two hours inside the exhibition, listening to the audio guide and reading the accompanying texts. I tend to move slowly in museums, staying longer with works that resonate with me, and Metamorphoses truly invites that kind of pace. It is not an exhibition to rush through.

Metamorphoses opened on February 6 and runs until May 25. During this period, the Rijksmuseum is also hosting related lectures, workshops, and concerts that expand on the themes of the exhibition. If this kind of cultural context interests you, it is worth checking the museum agenda or asking at the information desk during your visit. We are planning to return for one of the concerts.

If you enjoy exhibitions that combine literature, history, and visual art in a clear and engaging way, Metamorphoses is a beautiful example of how stories continue to evolve across time.

Until next time in Amsterdam,

Joanna

Your Photographer in Amsterdam