After seeing his fellow Dutchman’s paintings at the new Rijksmuseum in 1885, a smitten Vincent van Gogh wrote, “Rembrandt goes so deep into the mysterious that he says things for which there are no words in any language.”

Rembrandt continues to speak to us — so much so that his 400th birthday is the occasion for a yearlong fete in the Netherlands. Art exhibits, walking tours, and even theatrical events about the artist’s love life and genius are part of the celebration.

The birthday bash opens in Amsterdam, where, from a replica of the artist’s Self Portrait as the Apostle Paul painted on the 17th century church where he is buried, Rembrandt looks upon the city like a rock star. Here’s how to join the celebration:

The artist's interpretation of his second great love, Hendrickje, is on loan for the special exhibit “Rembrandt: Quest of a Genius.”

The Rijksmuseum

To augment his income, Rembrandt took in more than 40 pupils. Some of them did such a good job imitating their famed teacher that their works were misattributed to the old master. “Really Rembrandt?” at Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum, showcases these excellent fakes (through May 24).

The museum’s 60 Rembrandt drawings are also exhibited in “The Storyteller” (August 11 – October 11) and “The Observer” (October 14 – December 31). Along with the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum owns the world’s largest collection of Rembrandts.

Van Gogh Museum

Next door, the Van Gogh Museum is a stylish setting for “Rembrandt-Caravaggio” (through June 18), in which Rembrandt and Italian painter Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (1571-1610), two geniuses of northern and southern Europe, “meet” for the first time.

Though Rembrandt never left Holland, he is widely believed to have been influenced by his Italian counterpart’s dramatic use of light and dark. Among the 25 monumental works on display are Caravaggio’s The Supper at Emmaus from London and Rembrandt’s The Blinding of Samson from Frankfurt. Tickets are available at www.rembrandt-caravaggio.nl.

Concurrent to the Rembrandt-Caravaggio blockbuster is a small, but moving, exhibit dedicated to Rembrandt’s influence on the other Dutch master, Vincent van Gogh. Months before his suicide, van Gogh interpreted Rembrandt’s etching The Raising of Lazarus into an oil painting. This haunting work is among the two dozen paintings, drawings and letters on display through June 18.

The Rembrandt House Museum

In honor of its famous resident’s 400th birthday, the museum presents a series of exhibits, most notably “Rembrandt: The Quest of a Genius” (April 1 – July 2). Over 50 paintings and 50 drawings from the 20-year period when Rembrandt lived and worked in the stately house return home.

Since its beginning nearly a century ago, the museum has amassed one of the finest collections of Rembrandt’s etchings. “Rembrandt, the etcher” (July 8 – September 3) thematically displays the innovative works that made him famous in his own time and inspired generations of later artists, including Goya and Picasso.

Art dealer Hendrick Uylenburgh launched Rembrandt’s career and introduced the talented artist to his young cousin, Saskia Uylenburgh, who would become Rembrandt’s wife. “Uylenburgh & Son, Art and Commerce in Rembrandt’s Time” (September 14 – December 10) presents an overview of paintings the dealer sold, including over 20 Rembrandts, together with works by Rembrandt’s competitors, Antonie van Dyck, Govert Flinck, Caspar Netscher and Gerard Lairesse.

The Mauritshuis Museum

Another wonderful setting for Rembrandt’s work is the Mauritshuis Museum, at The Hague. Built as a residence for Johan Maurits van Nassau, the elegant mansion houses an exquisite art collection that includes Johannes Vermeer’s much-loved Girl with a Pearl Earring and View of Delft. Two stories of intimate rooms make this museum feel more like a private art collection.

During “A Summer with Rembrandt” (June 26 - September 18) the museum displays its 10 Rembrandts, including three newly restored works: the artist’s last Self-portrait, Homer and Simeon’s Song of Praise, considered the highpoint of Rembrandt’s Leiden years. Also among the paintings is The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp, the first of Rembrandt’s large, prestigious commissions. Like The Night Watch, the painting demonstrates the artist’s gift for infusing group portraits with action and suspense.