Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam is reopening on 13 April 2013 after 10 years of expansion, modernisation and refurbishments. It is all rather exiting stuff – all with a count down clock on the building, and an offical opening by her Majesty Queen Beatrix on the day.
A new and better Rijksmuseum
Over the last two decades the Rijksmuseum has modernised in other profound ways as well. It has made close ties with the industry, and is now greatly strengthened by the support from many blue chip companies.
The list of improvements is long. Take for instance the drawing school ‘Teekenschool’, which has now been restored to its former glory and will be part of an education centre funded by SNS REAAL.
First abstract acquisition
Of course you can again marvel in Dutch golden age and traditional painting. But even here is renewal in sight. While The Rijskmuseum is bastion of figurative art, it introduces the first abstract painting. It is the ‘composition 1919’ of the late de Stijl artist Bart van Leck.
Photographs:
Building-exterior by Myra May, © all rights reserved
Atrium by Pedro Pegenaute, © all rights reserved
Sources:
https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/en/press/
The Art Newspaper 24 january 2013
Related article: The Rijksmuseum wins the EMYA – European Museum of the Year Award
