Page 55 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide 2016 - Amsterdam

Museums ❮❮ 53

Modern “bathtub” extension of the Stedelijk Museum
Stedelijk Museum
Het
7 9
Scheepvaartmuseum
After an extensive renovation
project, the Stedelijk Museum Holding the largest collection of
reopened to the public in 2012. boats in the world, and crammed
A new wing designed by Benthem with fascinating objects, the former
Crouwel Architekten has created naval storehouse became a museum
more space for the museum’s in 1973 when the Dutch Navy vacated
unique collection. The Stedelijk now the building. Solid and foursquare,
contains 1,100 sq m (11,840 sq ft) Daniel Stalpaert’s imposing
of underground exhibition space, Classical-style arsenal was built for
a sculpture hall and the futurist the Admiralty in 1656 during the
“bathtub” for cutting-edge Golden Age of Dutch maritime
exhibitions. A gift shop and a café history. Interactive exhibits and
overlook Museumplein (see p121). children’s activities have made the
museum a much more user-friendly
Museum Het
8 experience following four years of
Rembrandthuis
extensive renovation (see p127).
Completely restored to look as it did
in Rembrandt’s day, this handsome
red-shuttered house was the artist’s
home during his years of prosperity
(1639–1658). Entering the rooms is a
little like stepping into a painting:
there are typical Dutch interiors
with black-and-white tiled floors,
traditional box beds, and paint ings
by Rembrandt’s contemporaries.
Perhaps the two most fascinating
sights here are the recreation of his
studio, and his magical etchings,
of which there is a permanent Het Scheepvaartmuseum
exhibition that changes regularly.
Museum Van Loon
Many show Rembrandt’s compassion 0
for the common people, beggars and Another canal house-turned-
street musicians. A video about the museum, the Van Loon recreates
restoration work is shown in the high-society life as it was during
basement (see p81). the 18th century (see pp36–7).

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