Have An Art Attack At the Rijksmuseum
Art is all around us, but if you're looking for a break in a city hotel, Amsterdam should be high on your list, as a "new" museum has muscled onto the international art scene and is now giving critics and tourists a real buzz.
The Rijksmuseum has emerged from the shadows of a 10-year renovation, a bill of 375m euros, and any number of delays, to great acclaim and an opening by Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands.
Within easy reach of your city hotel, Amsterdam offers a masterpiece within a masterpiece: the Rijksmuseum is the setting of many famous artworks, but none more so than Rembrandt's finest, The Night Watch.
A stunning redesign
The museum was redesigned by Spanish architects Cruz y Ortiz Arquitectos; they have overlaid their grand scheme on the original design by 19th century architect Pierre Cuypers, with the aid of Dutch restoration expert Van Hoogevest.
When staying in a city hotel, Amsterdam and the Rijksmuseum are bound to become a classic combination; the museum is family-friendly and offers children the opportunity to explore art in a relaxed atmosphere.
So many galleries
The museum aims to tell a story, allowing visitors to follow a chronological journey through the collection. In a sequence of 80 galleries, 8,000 objects tell the story of 800 years of Dutch art: the country's history is exposed through art and the history of art from the Middle Ages until the 20th century. The collection is spread over four floors and 80 new rooms offer a true idea of how rich the country's art scene really is.
Dutch artists
The museum, with a new Asian Pavilion and restored galleries, has benefitted from the careful reconstruction of the original architecture and is now expected to attract more than two million people annually. With many famous artists' work on display, including Vermeer, Van Gogh, Rembrandt and Mondrian, it is fascinating to see how such a small country could produce so many world-renowned artists, many of whom still influence today's art scene.
New works
During the period of its closure, the museum, with the support of businesses and private donors, bought hundreds of new objects and works. These include the Golden Bend in the Herenhgracht (1671-72), by Gerrit Berckheyde, The Burgomaster of Delft and his Daughter (1655), by Jan Steen, and a rare white armchair (1923) by Dutch designer and architect Gerrit Rietveld. The collections also include some delightful pieces from the fields of science and natural history, as well as navy models, musical instruments and even an armoury.
Gardens
One final bonus of this artistic treasure trove is the museum's gardens where you can relax among some of the finest sculptures in the country. The latest works to be featured at the museum include those from the late John Chamberlain and John Moore.
If you're staying in a city hotel, Amsterdam's finest museum is easily accessible by public transport or even by walking. No matter how you get there, just make sure you get there to experience the true heart of this country's important artistic achievements.
The Rijksmuseum has emerged from the shadows of a 10-year renovation, a bill of 375m euros, and any number of delays, to great acclaim and an opening by Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands.
Within easy reach of your city hotel, Amsterdam offers a masterpiece within a masterpiece: the Rijksmuseum is the setting of many famous artworks, but none more so than Rembrandt's finest, The Night Watch.
A stunning redesign
The museum was redesigned by Spanish architects Cruz y Ortiz Arquitectos; they have overlaid their grand scheme on the original design by 19th century architect Pierre Cuypers, with the aid of Dutch restoration expert Van Hoogevest.
When staying in a city hotel, Amsterdam and the Rijksmuseum are bound to become a classic combination; the museum is family-friendly and offers children the opportunity to explore art in a relaxed atmosphere.
So many galleries
The museum aims to tell a story, allowing visitors to follow a chronological journey through the collection. In a sequence of 80 galleries, 8,000 objects tell the story of 800 years of Dutch art: the country's history is exposed through art and the history of art from the Middle Ages until the 20th century. The collection is spread over four floors and 80 new rooms offer a true idea of how rich the country's art scene really is.
Dutch artists
The museum, with a new Asian Pavilion and restored galleries, has benefitted from the careful reconstruction of the original architecture and is now expected to attract more than two million people annually. With many famous artists' work on display, including Vermeer, Van Gogh, Rembrandt and Mondrian, it is fascinating to see how such a small country could produce so many world-renowned artists, many of whom still influence today's art scene.
New works
During the period of its closure, the museum, with the support of businesses and private donors, bought hundreds of new objects and works. These include the Golden Bend in the Herenhgracht (1671-72), by Gerrit Berckheyde, The Burgomaster of Delft and his Daughter (1655), by Jan Steen, and a rare white armchair (1923) by Dutch designer and architect Gerrit Rietveld. The collections also include some delightful pieces from the fields of science and natural history, as well as navy models, musical instruments and even an armoury.
Gardens
One final bonus of this artistic treasure trove is the museum's gardens where you can relax among some of the finest sculptures in the country. The latest works to be featured at the museum include those from the late John Chamberlain and John Moore.
If you're staying in a city hotel, Amsterdam's finest museum is easily accessible by public transport or even by walking. No matter how you get there, just make sure you get there to experience the true heart of this country's important artistic achievements.
Source...