Rijksmuseum -- Night Watch restoration

The restoration started several years ago and will take several years at least before it’s finished. They’re currently in the phase where they will painstakingly slow and careful remove the varnish. Once the varnish is removed they can see what needs to be done and continue.
You can follow the restoration process here; https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/en/whats-on/exhibitions/operation-night-watch

And in case you were thinking you can't see the painting, you can - they are conducting the restoration in full view of the public. It's pretty cool to see. Here's a video that shows the setup https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/12/style/video/rembrandt-rijksmuseum-amsterdam-the-night-watch-digvid

I was in the Rijksmuseum this past September. As mentioned above, they are doing the restoration in full view. It's quite a painting and quite a major effort to restore it.

We saw it in early May. There wasn't anyone working on it while we viewed it. It's not in a traditional frame. It's more set up in a restoration working frame. But I had to go back to my photos to even remember that that was the case.

It will be interesting to see what they opt to do with display once restored. I can recall, on my first trip to Europe some 20+ years ago, my second day, heading to see "The Night Watch". I think I had studied it in several art courses in High School and College, so this was a big deal.

I remember walking in the room, seeing the painting, and really being overwhelmed. You could walk right up to the painting, with only a cordon maybe a foot or two off the ground, about a foot away from the painting. You could literally get your face right up to the canvas and see the minute details of brush strokes. It was really a highlight experience.

Unfortunately, I think those days are long gone. I know they have had a special area to display the painting prior to the restoration, but not affording such intimate viewing. But at a distance, the work is still something to behold.

Will add, I did get the chance to get back and see it this past May, under the restoration display. Yes, it was interesting, but the impact was somewhat diminished. The restoration area gives it a bit of a clinical feel. Less "great work of art".