A night with the Arts

It’s a brilliant idea – that some museums are open until late in Friday evenings. Far less people gives you a chance to have a private moment with the masters and tap into their magic.

We started at the Rijksmuseum, where they had a bar in the lobby and stayed open until 20.30. The museum is under renovation, so only some parts are open, which in a way is a blessing. It makes the experience a just so much more digestive and you can concentrate on a few of the works.

I became mesmerised by Aert van der Neer’s River view by moonlight. Such delicate light! But Hendrick Avercamp’s famous Winter landscape with ice skaters is also a gem. It is one of those you can stare at for a very long time, and still find details you haven’t seen, a bit like illustrations in some children books.
Of course, you have a generous sprinkling of Rembrandt’s master-pieces to admire as well.

Happily enriched by this beautiful art experience, we continued to the Van Gogh Museum just down the road. They have taken their Friday nights one step further, staying open until ten and with a bar, DJ and live music every Friday. It is a funny thing to sit in a world famous art museum and listen to some good jazz, performed live, while you sip on a glass of wine (or one of those Japanese green tea beers).

Just as with the Rijksmuseum, the actual exhibition is positively un-crowded, and you can stroll around and enjoy your favourite pieces of the genius (and mad) Vincent van Gogh. The music carries to most of the building, which gives a new dimension to the experience.