The New Rijksmuseum

The New Rijksmuseum is Oeke Hoogendijk's epic documentary, originally presented as four television episodes over four hours. This version had its world premiere to great acclaim at New York City's Film Forum from December 2013 to January 2014. The filmmakers have now created a 132 minute theatrical version which won the Beeld ed Geluid Award at IDFA for Best Dutch Documentary in November 2014.

In 2003, the ambitious renovation of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam began. One of the world’s preeminent art institutions and home to a glorious collection including masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer, the museum was scheduled to re-open its doors in 2008. But, from the start the project was opposed by unyielding bureaucratic forces and public resistance and the landmark was slowly transformed into a seemingly perpetual construction site. The museum's director Ronald de Leeuw, and his successor, Wim Pijbes, battled with politicians, designers, curators and the Dutch Cyclists Union as they endeavored to re-open the museum and put its massive collection back on display. Five years late and costs exceeding $500 million, the museum reopened in 2013.

"Epic...Art lovers will find it edifying."- John DeFore, The Hollywood Reporter

"Eye-opening."- A.O Scott, The New York Times

"Four Stars!"- Stephen Boone, RogerEbert.com