Restoring Rembrandt
The Night Watch to be restored as museum visitors watch.
Beginning on July 8, 2019, a delicate and innovative restoration process will begin on one of the world’s most celebrated masterpieces, Rembrandt’s The Night Watch. A team of researchers, conservators, restorers and colour specialists from AkzoNobel will employ a series of ground-breaking tools, while the 377-year-old painting remains on view through a special glass chamber at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. Visitors, as well as the rest of the world, will be able to watch the scientists up close through live, online streaming.
Special scanners will examine cracks and crevices while pigments will be examined at the nano level using a hi-tech laser. Over 11,000 photographs will be taken with a resolution of 5,430 dpi during the three-year partnership between AkzoNobel and the Rijksmuseum.
“We’re about to rock the world of paintings conservation and do things that have never been attempted before,” says Robert van Langh, the Rijksmuseum’s Head of Conservation and Science. “We’re confident we’ll take our understanding of paint to the next level – and I don’t just mean one level, I’m talking three or four levels.”
Thierry Vanlancker and Taco Dibbits
The Latest
The Edge of Calm
This home in Dubai Hills Estate balances sculptural minimalism with everyday ease
In conversation with Karine Obegi and Mauro Nastri
We caught up with Karine Obegi, CEO of OBEGI Home and Mauro Nastri, Global Export Manager of Italian brand Porada, at their collaborative stand in Downtown Design.
An interview with Huda Lighting at Downtown Design
During Downtown Design, we interviewed the team at Huda Lighting in addition to designers Tom Dixon and Lee Broom.
Downtown Design Returns to Riyadh in 2026
The fair will run its second edition at JAX District
Design Dialogues with KOHLER
We discussed the concept of 'Sustainable Futures' with Inge Moore of Muza Lab and Rakan Jandali at KCA International.
Design Dialogues with Ideal Standard x Villeroy & Boch
During Dubai Design Week 2025, identity held a panel at the Ideal Standard x Villeroy & Boch showroom in City Walk, on shaping experiences for hospitality.
A Touch of Luxury
Here’s how you can bring both sophistication and style to every room
Outdoor Living, Redefined
Messara Living and Vincent Sheppard Unveil “Outdoor at Its Best 2026”
NOMAD Opens Its Doors in Abu Dhabi’s Iconic Terminal 1
A modernist landmark is reimagined as a global stage for collectible design, contemporary art, and cultural dialogue.
In photos: Winners at the identity Design Awards 2025
Presenting the winners of 2025 identity Design Awards.
Identity Design Awards 2025 – Winner’s List
Here are the winners of the identity design awards 2025
Hogg’s Hollow
Set along the bend of a quiet river and sheltered within a mature, tree-lined enclave of Toronto, this riverside residence offers a dialogue between structure and softness, restraint and warmth