The Rijksmuseum is one of the most famous and visited museums in the Netherlands. It is located in Amsterdam’s Museum Square, which is home to other famous museums such as the Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk Museum. The museum houses an impressive collection of Dutch art and history, dating back to the Middle Ages.
A Brief History of the Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum was founded in The Hague in November 19, 1798, as the National Art Gallery. The collection consisted of paintings and sculptures confiscated from the French during the Dutch Wars of Independence. In 1808, the museum was moved to Amsterdam and renamed the Rijksmuseum. The building that currently houses the museum was designed by the Dutch architect Pierre Cuypers and opened to the public in 1885.
The Rijksmuseum Collection
The Rijksmuseum’s collection is vast and varied, spanning over eight centuries of Dutch art and history. It includes paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, photographs, and decorative arts. The most famous painting in the museum’s collection is Rembrandt’s “Night Watch,” a masterpiece of the Dutch Golden Age. Other notable works include Johannes Vermeer’s “The Milkmaid,” Frans Hals’ “The Laughing Cavalier,” and Jan Steen’s “The Merry Family.”
The museum also has a significant collection of Asian art, particularly from Indonesia, which was a Dutch colony for over three centuries. The collection includes textiles, ceramics, and paintings from the 16th to the 20th centuries.
Protests against the Rijksmuseum’s Partnerships
The Rijksmuseum has been in the news recently due to protests against its partnerships with the airline KLM and bank ING. Members of the climate activist group Extinction Rebellion staged a protest in front of the museum’s famous painting, “Night Watch,” to raise awareness of the environmental impact of these partnerships.
The protesters argue that the museum’s partnership with KLM, which involves promoting the airline’s brand in exchange for financial support, contradicts the museum’s commitment to sustainability. KLM is one of the largest airlines in Europe and has been criticized for its high carbon emissions.
The Rijksmuseum’s Response
The Rijksmuseum has defended its partnerships, stating that they are crucial for the museum’s operations and sustainability. The museum relies on corporate partnerships and sponsorships to fund its exhibitions and conservation projects. The museum has also stated that it is committed to sustainability and is taking steps to reduce its carbon footprint.
In response to the protests, the museum has promised to review its partnerships and ensure that they align with its values and sustainability goals. The museum has also agreed to hold a public debate on the issue of corporate sponsorship in the arts.
