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Delays in reopening Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum
Renovation work at Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum is to be extended yet again. The opening date for the world famous museum, home to some of the greatest works by Rembrandt and other Dutch masters, is not likely to be until 2013.
The restoration was due to be completed this year, but a dispute with the building contractor over escalating costs is thought to be behind the new delays.
The government is to put the contract out to new bidders after estimated costs jumped from 134m euros to 222m euros. Renovation plans for the 19th century Rijksmuseum include a giant new underground entrance hall.
Since the main museum closed in 2003, works by Rembrandt like The Nightwatch and by other Dutch masters such as Frans Hals and Vermeer have remained on view in a side wing. The museum said more than a million people visited the wing in 2006.
This article was written for TravelSavvy Europe by Andy Cornish. For more information see: Amsterdam - Top sights. If you know of an interesting European travel related news story, please get in contact.
