After a four-year refubishment, work at the Netherlands Maritime Museum has finally been completed. On Saturday, Queen Beatrix will attend the Grand Opening. That leaves Amsterdam with ‘just’ three major museums that are closed, partly closed, or soon to be closed due to renovations.
Why modernise Dutch museums?
In addition to the need to update technical facilities such as climate control and security systems, museums are offering extra activities, often requiring more space.
For example, many museums are now developing exhibitions specially aimed at children of different ages. The reason for this is that some ten years ago this became one of the criteria for receiving government funding.
With the current government cuts to the cultural sector looming, museums also need to become more commercial. The new Maritime Museum hopes to generate some extra funding by renting out its newly covered courtyard.
Netherlands Maritime Museum – finally open
Director Willem Bijleveld is pleased that his museum is the first to reopen after years of construction work:
“I am very proud that we’re the first of the museums in Amsterdam that have been under renovation to be able to open our doors to the public. A lot of people have worked very hard to achieve this and the hard work continues.
There is still a lot to be done before the reopening, but when that’s over, everybody will be able to enjoy our beautiful building and our unique, innovative presentations."
If you want to learn more about the Netherlands’ rich maritime history and how it has influenced Dutch culture, the Netherlands Maritime Museum is the place to go. We'll have a video report on the museum on the RNW website next week.
But while the Maritime Museum is getting ready for the festive reopening ceremony, the Rijksmuseum, the Stedelijk Museum and the Van Gogh Museum still have a long way to go before their building woes are over. So why is the building saga taking so long?
Rijksmuseum – still closed
The Rijksmuseum, most famous for Rembrandt’s Night Watch, opened in 1800. Two centuries later, the museum had outgrown its building. So in 2003, the museum closed for renovation.
Asbestos, controversies about a cycle path that runs under the museum and difficulties over contracts all caused major delays. In fact, the building activities didn’t start in earnest until 2007.
During the renovation, the Philips Wing is being kept open, so visitors can at least enjoy some of the masterpieces from the Golden Age. The museum hopes the construction will be completed at the beginning of 2013, but it could be later.
Stedelijk Museum - to be reclosed
The Stedelijk Museum, with its collection of modern and contemporary art, also dates from the 19th century. Like the Rijksmuseum, its building simply became too small and outdated. In 2004, the museum had to close as it could no longer meet fire regulations.
The existing building was to be renovated and a modern extension - nicknamed the ‘bathtub’ - added. The work was to be completed by 2008. Right from the start there were technical problems; first with the foundations, then with the climate system.
Construction was delayed even further when the main contractor, Midreth, went bankrupt and when football fans caused substantial damage by climbing onto the scaffolding.
In August 2010, the museum opened The Temporary Stedelijk, hosted in the renovated ‘old’ building. However, from 9 October the entire museum will be reclosed until the renovation works are completed, which should be in 2012.
Van Gogh Museum – will soon close
The Van Gogh Museum, which has the largest collection of Van Gogh’s paintings in the world, will be closed for renovation from October 2012 to March 2013. Apparently the building is in such a bad state that it could be dangerous for visitors and even damage the paintings, according to director Axel Ruger.
While the construction work is carried out, the most prominent pieces – including 75 paintings by Vincent van Gogh – will be on display in the Hermitage in Amsterdam. In 2013, the museum celebrates its 40th anniversary, so there is a strong incentive for management to ensure the work is completed on schedule.
As Amsterdam’s building saga drags on, it’s hard not to become impatient. A disgrace? Yes. But, hey, Rome wasn’t built in a day either...
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