Rijksmuseum, which is the national museum of the Netherlands, was closed in the year 2003 as part of some major renovations, and was opened only after 10 years on April 13th, 2013. After the opening of the museum again, it caught all the attention of avid culture-seekers from different parts of the world who take Rijksmuseum Tour.
The reopening of the museum was delayed continuously because of architectural problems and conflicts between the museum and the Cyclers Union on whether the cycle passage of the building should be returned. At last, the passage was reopened and the problems regarding the architecture were solved to open it again. Media from all parts of the world visited the museum on its reopening when this verdict was made, and the opening made people witness all the spectacular new ideals behind the museum.
One of the major difficulties faced by the architects Antonio Ortiz and Antonio Cruz was in the restoration of the clear and original layout by the Pierre Cuypers, which was hidden away under layers of structural additions during the years before renovation. In addition to this, the Rijksmuseum had to restore its quality by uniting it with accessible and modern designs.
The grand entrance of the museum has two courtyards that are connected to each other by a passageway. These courtyards, as it was like in the original design made by Cuypers, are broke open. The famous Gallery of Honor and Front Hall of Cuypers was also restored that returned the monumental ornaments. The Front Hall of Rijksmuseum is the entrance to the Gallery of Honor and it displays highlights of the Dutch art history. You could see the works of imported painters of the seventeenth century here, and would then lead you to the next gallery and the highlight of Rijksmuseum –The Night Watch by Rembrandt.
The use of natural white light all over and inside the museum is considered very phenomenal. The Rijksmuseum relied totally on daylight originally, and the museum closed its doors in the evening when it became dark. By merging the past and present of the museum, the artifacts in the museum are lit using LED lights along with the daylight which enters the museum through the glass roof.
Interior designer of the famous Musee de Louvre, Jean Michel Wilmotte, chose a color palette that is between light and dark shades of gray and it was inspired by the palette of Cuypers. This palette makes the furniture, paintings, and silver to stand out in a perfect way, and the display cases designed by him contribute to the tranquility and grandeur of the galleries.