One of the most popular tourist attractions in Amsterdam has unveiled its new jewellery gallery ahead of its official re-opening following an extensive renovation project.
The museum closed its doors for a complete overhaul in 2003 – the 375 million euro revamp will restore the building’s best features and create new exhibition space for its many impressive works.
Thanks to a special grant from iconic jewellery maker and connoisseur the Tiffany & Co. Foundation, the museum’s extensive jewellery collection will feature front and centre when the Rijksmuseum officially opens its doors in the spring of 2013.
“The Rijksmuseum is very proud to welcome the Foundation of this world famous American house of jewellery. This important gift will let our beautiful jewellery collection shine again,” Wim Pijbes, the museum’s general director, said in a press release.
Some 300 pieces of jewellery – ranging back as far as the 8th century, all the way to the 1960s – will be displayed in the Tiffany & Co. Foundation Gallery space, giving visitors an opportunity to recognise trends and see the evolution of jewellery making over time.
The grant will also help the museum conserve, research, restore, present and digitize its jewellery collection, which will allow it to reach greater audiences and safeguard the collection for future visitors.
“We are proud to support the creation of the Tiffany & Co. Foundation Gallery, dedicated to jewellery, at the Rijksmuseum in its much anticipated re-opening next year,” Tiffany & Co. Foundation president Anisa Kamadoli Costa said.
“The Foundation seeks to promote the importance of inspiring design and jewellery’s role in the arts, through its display at world-class institutions, such as the Rijksmuseum.”
http://www.rijksmuseum.nl/nieuwsenagenda/amerikaanse-steun-voor-juwelen-rijksmuseum?lang=en
