We all love a good dose of art and culture, but sadly the Dutch museums rarely abide by the cheap Dutch mentality we’ve come to love (or hate?). But, good news for anyone who wants to see world-class art without becoming a starving artist themselves: a priceless painting from our fave guy Rembrandt is coming to Amsterdam – and Amsterdammers can see it for free!
De Nachtwacht (The Night Watch) is one of the most famous paintings in the world, so the chance to see this for free cannot be missed. But it gets better: it’s currently undergoing ‘research and restoration’, and this will be viewable on the evenings. A priceless painting, with a priceless experience – and a priceless cost! (literally).
Why should you watch the Night Watch?
This amazing piece of history was painted way back in 1642. Not even my grandfather remembers back that far. It depicts members of the Civil Guard, who paid stacks of money at the time to be portrayed. Now they’re encapsulated in the painting, a window into history of real-life officers, shooters, and other civilian guards who watched over the city in the 17th century.
According to the Amsterdam Municipality, the painting holds all kinds of secrets. “Riddles about the people who stand on it. Because who is that girl for example?” the website reads. “And what is the story behind that signature that is on that ribbon? And is that eye of a man in a hat at the back, really from Rembrandt himself?”
The restoration process involved 56 scans with a special X-ray machine. These scans will provide the restorers with vital information about the painting process that Rembrandt used. Using this information they know how to maintain the painting for future generations. What a technology!
Het pigment dat Rembrandt gebruikte om blauw te maken in de Nachtwacht heet smalt. Slechts 4% had deze vraag in onze vorige tweet goed.
Alle Amsterdammers kunnen de Nachtwacht gratis zien tijdens de open avonden.https://t.co/eR2SWIJyx2
— Gemeente Amsterdam (@AmsterdamNL) September 4, 2019
Give us the details!
The free evenings are planned for September 18 and 21. Buuut, there’s a catch (okay, a few):
- POSTCODE: only people living in the postcode areas of 1000-1099 or 1100-1109 are allowed to visit.
- REGISTER: if you’re in one of these lucky areas, you also have to register on the Rijksmuseum website. One person can buy one ticket only, and tickets are on sale now (so hurry up!)
- AVAILABILITY: only 2500 people per night can see the masterpiece.
Will you be heading to the Rijksmuseum for this priceless experience? Just a huge Rembrandt fan? Let us know in the comments below!