The Rijksmuseum is re-opening next Saturday after a massive 10 year, €375 million (£318 million,) overhaul. The Dutch state museums renovations were delayed by flooding, asbeston and a dispute over access for cyclists, 'What could go wrong, did go wrong' said museum director Wim Pijbes. In the end the renovations took double the expected time, not surprisingly costing millions over the predicted budget.
What on earth could take that long and cost so much? If you compare the external look of the building to 10 years ago it looks very much the same. The 19th century building's red brick exterior has in fact been left in tact and it is the inside central courtyard that has been transformed to allow natural light to flood in from the 5 storey high glass ceiling - thus creating a bright heart at the museum's centre. This is the main gallery space which showcases works from the Dutch Golden Age by artists such as Rembrant, Jan Steen and Frans Hals. The Old Masters look spectacular, framed against intricately decorated ceilings and pillars which have been painstakingly recreated after being painted over in the post-war years.
The building houses thousands of other Dutch cultural and artistic artefacts though it is Rembrant's masterpiece, 'The Night Watch,' which is given pride of place, a gigantic Baroque painting of 17th century city guards teeming with drama and movement - the only work to be hung in its original place.
The building houses thousands of other Dutch cultural and artistic artefacts though it is Rembrant's masterpiece, 'The Night Watch,' which is given pride of place, a gigantic Baroque painting of 17th century city guards teeming with drama and movement - the only work to be hung in its original place.
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| Journalists take photos as dignitaries pose in front of Rembrant'smasterpiece during a press preview |
In the halls flanking the grand gallery the decoration is more modern. British artist Richard Wright, a former Turner Prize winner, has covered the ceilings with almost 50,000 stars, hand painted in a swirling constellation.
The museum houses more than a million objects across 80 galleries. Material used to be displayed in categories with a gallery devoted to glass, another to porcelain etc... these are now mixed together, presented to show visitors the story of art from the Middle Ages up to the 20th century. In doing this it illustrates the cross pollination between decorative and visual art, showing off interesting influences and striking juxtapositions.
The museum expects annual visits to nearly double to 2 million after the renovation.
If your ever over that way it's definitely worth a visit!
