ARTISTIC ROUTE
The Netherlands has declared 2019 as the Year of Rembrandt to mark the 350th anniversary of his death—visit these sites in Amsterdam to immerse yourself in the artist’s legacy
STAY: HOTEL CONSERVATORIUM
The hotel’s homage to Rembrandt van Rijn comes in the form of The Art Suite by Rembrandt, a room crafted in his memory by interior designer Irma Boom, featuring works by Dutch artist Sarah van Sonsbeeck that peep out from nooks and corners. Take a step back, and you’ll realise that these artistic elements are in fact details inspired by the Dutch painter’s celebrated piece, The Night Watch. Sonsbeeck’s interpretation of these come together with other nuances that invite further inspection. Boom’s carefully articulated colour scheme borrows its earthy palette from the painting and complements the setting without interfering with the minimalist interior by Piero Lissoni, the Italian architect responsible for the 2008 redesign of Sweelinck Conservatorium into the present-day Hotel Conservatorium. The hotel has also partnered with Rijksmuseum, offering guests in the Art Suite unlimited access to various exhibitions and events at the museum in conjunction with the commemorative year. From 1 April to 29 December 2019; conservatoriumhotel.com
VISIT: RIJKSMUSEUM
Held in partnership with the Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid, the Rembrandt and Velázquez: Dutch and Spanish Masters exhibition is a three-fold commemoration, that also throws the 200th anniversary of the Prado and the Golden Age of Spain and the Netherlands into the mix. A celebration of both the artistic similarities and contrasts between the works of Spanish and Dutch artists during the 17th century, the exhibition focuses on the two most prolific names of that time—expect to see paintings by Diego Velázquez and Rembrandt hanging side by side. From 11 October 2019 to 19 January 2020; rijksmuseum.nl
EXPLORE: THE REMBRANDT YEAR ROUTE
Visit various spots in Amsterdam that inspired and also featured prominently in some of Rembrandt’s most famous paintings. Starting at Amsterdam Central Station, this art walk takes you to the De Waag House as seen in The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp and the former clubhouse of the militia (now the Hotel NH Collection Doelen) in The Night Watch, as well as the church he got married in and the last house that he lived in. iamsterdam.com
VISIT: MUSEUM HET REMBRANDTHUIS
Rembrandt’s techniques in print, paint, and technical drawing have been widely researched and studied by scientists and artists alike. The secret to his evocative figure studies and portraits will be revealed at this museum, where the artist lived for many years with his wife Saskia. Gather insight into the evolution of these techniques as the Rembrandt Laboratory: Rembrandt’s Technique Unravelled exhibition peels off layers of restorations done to his works over the years. From 21 September 2019 to 16 February 2020; rembrandthuis.nl