Rijksmuseum Amsterdam Unveils Diverse 2022 Exhibition Program
Amsterdam's renowned Rijksmuseum is set to host a compelling series of exhibitions and activities throughout 2022, offering visitors a rich exploration of art, history, and culture. The year's program features major exhibitions on Indonesian independence, a significant display of sculptures in the gardens, and a unique look at one of the 18th century's most famous animals.
Exploring Major Exhibitions for Amsterdam Visitors
A highlight for the year is "Revolusi! Indonesia Independent," running from February 11 to June 5, 2022, in the Philips Wing. This exhibition offers an international perspective on Indonesia's struggle for independence during the 1945-1949 period, focusing on the personal experiences of individuals such as fighters, artists, and diplomats. Over 200 objects, including private keepsakes and paintings from Indonesian art collections, will be on display, providing a multi-faceted view of this turbulent era. More details about the exhibition are available on the Rijksmuseum website.
From June 3 to October 23, 2022, the Rijksmuseum Gardens will feature the ninth annual sculpture exhibition, dedicated to the British modernist sculptor Barbara Hepworth. Visitors can discover an overview of Hepworth's post-war creations, with a particular focus on her work from the 1960s and early 1970s. Many of these important public sculptures are being moved for the first time for this special presentation, showcasing Hepworth at the height of her artistic career. Learn more about the exhibition in the Rijksmuseum Gardens.
Later in the year, from September 30, 2022, to January 15, 2023, the Philips Wing will host "Clara the Rhinoceros." This exhibition tells the remarkable story of Clara, a rhinoceros brought to Rotterdam from India in 1741, who subsequently toured Europe and became a sensation. Her presence profoundly influenced how rhinoceroses were depicted in art, changing a prevailing worldview. The centerpiece of the exhibition is a life-size 1749 portrait of Clara by Jean-Baptiste Oudry. Further information on Clara's story can be found on the Rijksmuseum's research page.
Diverse Art and Historical Insights
The 2022 program also includes several other engaging exhibitions:
- "Vincent Mentzel: The Power of the Image" (January 28 to June 5, 2022, Photo Gallery): An exhibition tracing the career of acclaimed Dutch photojournalist Vincent Mentzel, highlighting his role in shaping news imagery and the evolution of photography as an art form. Visitors can explore Mentzel’s work and its impact on the medium through the exhibition details.
- "Modern Japanese Lacquer" (July 1 to September 4, 2022, Philips Wing): This display showcases fine lacquerware from the early 20th century, revealing how this ancient Japanese art continues to innovate with vibrant colors and bold designs. More about this art form is available on the Rijksmuseum's website.
- "XXL Paper" (July 1 to September 4, 2022, Philips Wing): Featuring some of the largest works on paper from the Rijksmuseum's collection, many of which have rarely been seen due to their size, including a 23-meter-wide 19th-century cyclorama. Discover more about these monumental paper works.
- "Early Photographs of Japan" (July 1 to September 4, 2022, Photography Gallery): Nearly 50 unique images captured around 1865 by Dutch photographer Antoon Bauduin, offering a rare glimpse into a Japan undergoing significant transformation.
- "Crawly creatures" (September 30, 2022, to January 15, 2023, Philips Wing): This exhibition delves into the fascination with small creatures like toads, spiders, and insects, exploring their depiction in art by masters such as Albrecht Dürer and Maria Sybilla Merian, and the interplay between art and science. Find more research about creepy crawlies.
Ongoing Restoration of The Night Watch
Visitors to the Rijksmuseum can also continue to observe "Operation Night Watch," the most extensive research and restoration project ever undertaken on Rembrandt's masterpiece. The work is carried out in a special glass-walled chamber within the Night Watch Gallery, allowing the public to follow the progress live. This initiative utilizes advanced technology to ensure the painting's preservation for future generations. Updates on the project are regularly shared on the Rijksmuseum's stories page.
With such a diverse array of exhibitions spanning historical events, contemporary art, natural history, and groundbreaking conservation efforts, the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam promises a stimulating cultural experience throughout 2022. To plan your visit and explore more of Amsterdam's cultural offerings, you can browse other museums on Musemap (musemap.art) or see what else is currently on display.
