The Night Watch painting by Rembrandt is being restored and you can watch it live

One of Rembrandt’s most famous paintings is to be restored in front of visitors to the gallery in which it hangs – all while being live-streamed around the world.

The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam announced today that The Night Watch, a highly-acclaimed 1642 painting by the Dutch artist, will be restored inside the gallery as visitors watch the conservationists at work.

The restoration will begin in July 2019 and will also be broadcast worldwide via an online livestream. The painting, which currently resides in the Rijksmuseum’s Gallery of Honour, will be encased in a specially-designed glass chamber by architect Jean Michel Wilmotte, which will allow the work to remain visible while it is worked on.

“The Night Watch is one of the most famous paintings in the world,” said the Rijksmuseum’s general director Taco Dibbets. “It belongs to us all, and that is why we have decided to conduct the restoration within the museum itself – and everyone, wherever they are, will be able to follow the process online.”

Prior to the restoration, the painting will be the centrepiece of an exhibition commemorating 350 years since Rembrandt’s death, which will showcase the Rijksmuseum’s entire collection of Rembrandt art, a staggering 400 works.

The Night Watch was last restored in 1975, following a attack on the painting by an unemployed school teacher who slashed the masterwork with a bread knife.

Who is Rembrandt?

Rembrandt van Rijn was a Dutch artist who lived and worked in the 17th century. He is widely considered one of the most influential painters of his generation and the most important artist of the Dutch Golden Age.

How old is The Night Watch?

The Night Watch, Rembrandt’s most ambitious work, was commissioned by the mayor of Amsterdam in 1642 – making it more than 350 years old.

Why is it being restored?

The Rijksmuseum has said that it has observed changes occurring to the paintwork in recent years, including a chalkiness – or “blanching” – appearing on the dog in the painting. The restoration means that a thorough examination of the painting’s condition can be made.

How to watch The Night Watch restoration live broadcast

As the restoration does not begin until July 2019, the live broadcast is yet to be set up. However, it is being launched as part of Rijksmuseum’s digital initiative so is likely to be accessible through the museum’s online platforms. We will update this piece as we know more.