16 June, 2005

Rembrandt's Birthday

Rembrandt 2006 | 400th Birthday




On 15 July 2006, the world celebrates the 400th birthday of Rembrandt van Rijn. The master is being honored on this occasion by many special exhibitions. CODART is keeping track of these events for you. On this page you will find all Rembrandt events between 15 July 2005 and 15 July 2007 of which we know. Link


Stichting Rembrandt 400

In 2006 it will have been 400 years ago that Rembrandt, Holland's greatest 17th-century painter, was born. The perfect occasion to train the spotlight on this Dutch master throughout the year. Like no other artist, Rembrandt managed to capture light and shadows in paint. In addition, his drawings and etchings are unequalled. The activities to commemorate ‘Rembrandt 400’ are concentrated in the two cities in which the artist lived. He was born in Leiden in 1606, and lived and worked in Amsterdam in the latter part of his life. The Stichting Rembrandt 400 (Rembrandt 400 Foundation) has been set up to develop ‘Rembrandt 400’. The Stichting will coordinate and stimulate exhibitions and events. It is also responsible for the promotion and publicity concerning Rembrandt 400, both at home and abroad. The Stichting expects the exhibitions and activities to attract some 1.5 million visitors, many of whom will come from abroad.

Independent chairman of Stichting Rembrandt 400 Jan Michiel Hessels: "The 400th birthday of Rembrandt is an excellent occasion for an internationally attractive theme year, both culturally and with regard to tourism. The exhibitions and activities to commemorate Rembrandt 400 will focus on the two cities in Rembrandt’s life: Leiden and Amsterdam. In Leiden, where the artist was born, the emphasis is on his youth and on what life was like in those days. The focus in Amsterdam, where he enjoyed his heyday, but also experienced difficult times, is on the master painter Rembrandt."

Exhibitions
Two highlights of the program are major exhibitions in The Rembrandt House Museum: Rembrandt – the quest of a genius and Uylenburgh & Son. Art and Commerce in Rembrandt’s Time. The Rijksmuseum is preparing for a major exhibition on Rembrandt and Caravaggio. Stedelijk Museum De Lakenhal in Leiden will present a number of exhibitions. Some of the places in Leiden where the painter spent his youth will be redeveloped or renovated and will be open to the public. In addition to this, a large number of other activities will be organized. Visitors will also be able to admire Holland's permanent collection of Rembrandt works throughout the year.

Preparations
The main parties involved are represented in the Stichting Rembrandt 400. Representatives of The Rembrandt House Museum, the city of Leiden, the Rijksmuseum and the Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions are on the Stichting’s board. In addition, a platform has been set up in which these and other organizations involved can exchange information and come to agreements. Hessels continues: "It is very important that preparations for theme year start well ahead of time. You must ensure that all parties involved work together closely from the very beginning. Many of the preparations are now well under way and the cooperation between parties from the cultural and tourism sectors is excellent. I do not doubt that Rembrandt 400 will be a great success, both with regard to its cultural aspects and to the numbers of visitors it will attract. Link


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