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
Destinations in Design
These design-led hotels offer inspiration at every turn
Nostalgic Value in Cape Town
LW Design completes a sensitive reimagining of the iconic Table Bay Hotel at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa
A Lounge Perched in the Sky
This new, refined lounge showcases spectacular Dubai skyline views with style
Creating Intelligent and Resilient Design
identity hosted a live panel in collaboration with IF Hub on creating intelligent and resilient design at their showroom
The Making of Nammos Dubai
We take a look at how Nammos Dubai translated the spirit of Mykonos at its outpost at the Four Seasons Resort at Jumeirah Beach
Emirati Modernism by Lodge
Emirati founded and owned interior design studio Lodge completes two distinct majlises
A Story in Wood
Porada’s Ortensia was showcased at Salone del Mobile 2026, demonstrating the company’s expertise with wood
Design Debut – Naqsh Editions
We interview the founders of the collectible design house in an exclusive interview prior to their launch
The Next Phase of Growth
Luca Vigliero, XBD Collective’s new Executive Director shares exciting developments for the studio’s expansion
Highlights of Casa Decor 2026
We take you through the finest showcases at the exhibition in collaboration with the Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade (ICEX)
The Black Gold Museum
Art has the power to illuminate histories and tell human stories across time and geography. At the newly opened Black Gold Museum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, it does just that
An Integrated Approach
At DLR Group, collaboration across teams is key. We speak to Henrique Dias, Principal and Middle East Hospitality and Mixed-Use Director, and Vaida Buchrotaite, Principal and International Interior Design and Operations Director, on how the group shapes hospitality projects across the region