Originally called Reguliersplein, then Botermarkt, after the butter markets held here until the mid-19th century, this square now takes its name from the statue of the painter erected in 1876. Beneath Rembrandt are life-size bronze sculptures re-creating his famous painting, the Night Watch (you can see the original 2D version in the Rijksmuseum).
Rembrandtplein soon evolved into a nightlife hub as various cafes, restaurants and clubs opened their doors, and remains a cornerstone of Amsterdam nightlife.
On the northern side of the square, De Kroon , opened 1898, is one of the grandest cafés in town. Opposite, Café Schiller , dating from 1892, is renowned for its theatrical crowd and fabulous art-deco interior, including leadlight glass windows.
