The New Rijksmuseum - The Film (2014) User Reviews

Interesting look at the process of renovating a world-class museum.

[jamesrupert2014 · 7/10 · 15 February 2024]

For 10 years (2004-2014) The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam undergoes major renovations, a massive, expensive and complicated process permeated with bureaucratic infighting, squabbles with special interest groups, debates, decisions and decision reversals, compromises, and political interference. Oeke Hoogendijk's documentary is an interesting 'behind-the-scenes' perspective but, for anyone unfamiliar with the famous museum, there isn't much background or context to put the project in perspective (the film opens with scenes of demolition). I found the documantary to be quite interesting despite not knowing why the renovation was necessary or how the final structure differed from the 'original'. The ongoing quarrels with what appears to be a major player in Amsterdam: 'The Cyclist Union', over access to a bike-way though the building is quite entertaining, as is seeing many of the great masters, including Rembrandt's 'The Night Watch,' in storage. I just wish that there was a bit more exposition. Watched with English subtitles.