The Rijksmuseum van Oudheden was established in 1818 by Dr. Caspar Reuvens, the world's first archaeology professor. A national archaeological treasure trove, the museum showcases ancient craft with its impressive array of millennia-old artefacts from the ancient Mediterranean area, including Egypt, Greece, and the East. With its specific expertise on archaeology, the museum illustrates the link between ancient craftsmanship and the archaeological history of the Netherlands.

Highlights include The Dorestad brooch and the Lion’s head. Aside from the geographical variations demonstrated by the breadth of its collection, it also presents the visitor with a chronology of the evolution of craft, encompassing the Prehistoric period, the Roman Empire, and the Medieval Age, concluding with the modern era.