Movie | Documentary 'Our National Treasures: The Rijksmuseum'
MOVIE | The story behind a world-renowned museum's decade-long closure
Documentary "The New Rijksmuseum"
Directed by Oeke Hoogendijk, "The New Rijksmuseum" is a documentary chronicling the turmoil surrounding the extensive renovation of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. It opens on Saturday, December 20th, at Eurospace in Shibuya, followed by a nationwide release.
Text by YANAKA Tomomi
A sequel to 2008's "Rijksmuseum"
The Rijksmuseum, home to countless masterpieces including Rembrandt's "The Night Watch" and Vermeer's "The Milkmaid," embarked on its most comprehensive renovation since its founding in 2004. However, public opposition and various complications led to significant delays from the original 2008 reopening target, with the museum finally welcoming visitors in 2013.
"The New Rijksmuseum," directed by Oeke Hoogendijk, follows the decade-long saga. It serves as a sequel to "Rijksmuseum," released in Japan in 2010. The film meticulously documents the subsequent troubles and challenges that delayed the museum's opening, presenting a valuable piece of museum documentary filmmaking.
Director Oeke Hoogendijk, born in the Netherlands in 1961, has closely observed the museum's dramatic journey. Hoogendijk began their career as a theater director before moving into television documentary filmmaking in 1997, with previous works including films on the Holocaust.
Overcoming public opposition and setbacks to create a museum for everyone
In 2004, the Rijksmuseum closed for a major renovation, the first since its establishment in the 19th century. The initial reopening was planned for 2008. However, citizens of Amsterdam, a city famed for its cycling culture, vehemently protested the new design for the passage through the museum, arguing it would impede bicycle traffic. This led to repeated construction halts and seemingly endless delays.
Despite the challenges, the museum director, curators, architects, and everyone involved in the project continued to strive for the completion of "a museum open to all," sometimes confronting conflicting opinions. Their efforts culminated in the museum's grand reopening.
This film not only recounts the "incident" but also offers a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes workings of the museum world, from art restoration and auction purchases to the storage of artworks. It vividly captures how the museum comes alive through the efforts of its unique and dedicated staff.
"The New Rijksmuseum"
Opening December 20th (Saturday) at Eurospace in Shibuya. Subsequently showing nationwide.
Director | Oeke Hoogendijk
Starring | Director, curators, architects of the Rijksmuseum, citizens of Amsterdam, and others
Distribution | Eurospace
2014 | Netherlands | 97 min
http://amsmuseum.jp
© 2014 Column Film BV