tOMOrrOW's AnsWers tODAY - AkzoNobel

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more than 60 of Cuypers’ authentic 1885 colors, along
with eight brand new colors. AkzoNobel also became
the official supplier of all paint and decorative products
used for the Rijksmuseum renovation, with more than
8,000 liters of Sikkens paint having been used throughout
the building, both inside and out.
“Working with AkzoNobel and Sikkens was very
important,” says Pijbes. “As the national museum,
we are a catalog of what the Netherlands can bring
to the world. We showcase the best art, the best
ideas, the best paint and represent what the
Dutch stand for. Yes, we are the best museum in
the world that celebrates the period when the
Dutch were the best at creating visual arts. But
through working with our partners, we also highlight
the work of some of the best companies in
the Netherlands, so we are proud to use AkzoNobel’s
paint and expertise.”
The hope now, of course, is that visitors start
flooding in. Before the transformation started, the
Rijksmuseum used to attract around 1.4 million
visitors a year. Pijbes estimates that figure will rise to
around 1.7 following the reopening, but hopes to
achieve closer to two million. “The reopening of the
Rijksmuseum is the cultural ticket for Europe this year.
In tourism terms, we are the biggest event in the
Netherlands so I’m hoping that the continued appetite
for museums works in our favor.”
His comments raise an interesting point. Why do
museums endure? In this ultra-modern, gadget-crazy,
technological age, what is it about museums that
keeps people enthralled? “We are authentic, we have
the real thing,” offers Pijbes. “The more that people
are busy with gadgets, screens and virtual reality,
the more they appreciate the real thing. Imagine
what it would feel like to receive a hand-written letter
in the mail these days. One-to-one contact is much
more valued and appreciated and museums can offer
that authenticity.”
You can’t argue with that. You only have to look at the
sheer volume of dazzling work on display to appreciate
that Pijbes is spot on. The Night Watch is a big
enough draw in itself (although Pijbes admits he
prefers The Jewish Bride and The Syndics), but the
fact that much of the collection is being reunited for
the first time in ten years (many artworks have been
out on loan) is sure to attract a lot of attention. The
collection has also been enlarged and enriched by
new acquisitions, while works that have been in
storage have been renovated and are now back on
display. What’s more, the library is now open to
visitors for the very first time.
“We’ve got a beautiful building and a beautiful
collection which we want to share with everyone,”
continues Pijbes. “We have an exciting museum for
a modern, international audience which is completely
in step with the 21st century.” In the end
though, it all boils down to one simple question. Why
should people visit the new-look Rijksmuseum?
“Because it’s one of the few places where you can
see some of the best paintings in the world with your
own eyes.”
To read Wim Pijbes’ thoughts on
Rembrandt the artist, read this story
online: akzonobel.com/amagazine