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Operation Night Watch

Closer than ever before

Operation Night Watch is the biggest and most wide-ranging ever study and restoration of Rembrandt’s most famous painting. The project started in summer 2019 and is being carried out in full view of the visiting public, in a specially designed glass chamber.

The Night Watch is Rembrandt's most famous painting. It shows the citizens of Amsterdam protecting the city. The painting is nearly 400 years old and deserves the best possible care, so that people can continue to enjoy it in the future. That is why the Rijksmuseum launched Operation Night Watch in 2019.


The wooden stretcher from 1975 has since been replaced by an aluminium one. Currently, the restorers are removing old layers of varnish.

Research and publications

The research into The Night Watch is carried out in collaboration with experts from AkzoNobel. The researchers and restorers of the Operation Night Watch team regularly publish articles about their findings in academic journals.

Book your visit
  • Adults €25
  • Ages 18 and under Free
Prices and opening hours
  • Open daily from 9 - 17h
  • Night Watch Gallery

Operation Night Watch begins in 2019 with large-scale research, carried out in full view of the public

We use a wide range of techniques: from advanced imaging to microscopic examination

This allows us to answer questions about the painting's making process and condition

In 2022 we removed the wooden stretcher from 1975 and treated deformations in the canvas

A new aluminium stretcher with spring tensioners ensures even tension across the canvas

After extensive testing, we began removing varnish at the end of 2024

First using a tissue with solvent. Tiny remaining traces are removed under the microscope with a cotton swab

Increasingly large sections of the painting will temporarily appear matt and dull - a unique view

Video

How We Are Removing Varnish From The Night Watch

3:59 min. - What's going on with the drummer?

Experience the Night Watch

Immerse yourself in the world of The Night Watch

Stories

Follow the developments of Operation Night Watch

Main partner

We thank

Operation Night Watch is made possible by The Bennink Foundation, C.L. de Carvalho-Heineken, PACCAR Foundation, Piet van der Slikke & Sandra Swelheim, American Express Foundation, Familie De Rooij, Het AutoBinck Fonds, TBRM Engineering Solutions, Dina & Kjell Johnsen, Familie D. Ermia, Familie M. van Poecke, Bruker Nano Analytics, Henry M. Holterman Fonds, Irma Theodora Fonds, Luca Fonds, Piek-den Hartog Fonds, Stichting Zabawas, Cevat Fonds, Johanna Kast-Michel Fonds, Marjorie & Jeffrey A. Rosen, Stichting Thurkowfonds, Familie Van Ogtrop Fonds, FedEx Express, Airbnb, NICAS, the Night Watch Fund, Bank of American Foundation, the City of Amsterdam and the Amsterdam Museum.