Amsterdam, the Netherlands - Royal Philips (AEX: PHI, NYSE: PHG) announced today  that starting on October 26, one of the world’s most renowned paintings will be bathed in a new light. Philips, Founder of the renovated Amsterdam Rijksmuseum, presents Rembrandt van Rijn’s Night Watch in innovative LED light, bringing out the best of the painting’s color palette while offering increased sustainability and energy efficiency. Through the project, the two Masters of Light are reinforcing their intensive collaboration aimed at joint innovation in the area of LED lighting, setting the new standard for museum lighting.

The 5-year extension of the partnership was sealed this afternoon in the Rijksmuseum by Frans van Houten, CEO of Philips, and Wim Pijbes, General Director of the Rijksmuseum. The Night Watch was relit for the occasion by Philips, combining innovative LED lighting with an advanced light control system. The new lighting will help reduce the Rijksmuseum’s energy consumption.

LED technology has been developed to the point that the Rijksmuseum felt it needed to adopt this innovation. The new lamps ensure optimal color rendering, lending an even greater expressive quality to the objects. In terms of light quality, the LED solution easily outstrips the halogen spot, praised for its warm color and broad spectrum.

A key element in the partnership between Philips and the Rijksmuseum lies in the intensive exchange of knowledge between the two parties with regard to the development of LED solutions for lighting art and architecture.

As Founder, Philips has been involved since 2001 in the biggest restoration and renovation project in the 126-year history of the Rijksmuseum. During the renovation, the highlights of the Golden Age have been on display in the Philips Wing, attracting an average of 950,000 visitors a year since it opened in 2003. Starting in 2014, major exhibitions will be held in the wing, which will be permanently named the Philips Wing. From 2013 onward, the Rijksmuseum expects to welcome about 2 million visitors each year.

Frans van Houten, CEO of Philips said: “I’m proud that we had the privilege to work closely with the Rijksmuseum in creating a state-of-the-art lighting solution for an age-old and world-famous masterpiece. I look forward to continuing our partnership with the Rijksmuseum, which shares a history and global reputation equal to Philips and – like us – gives high priority to innovation.”

Wim Pijbes, General Director of the Rijksmuseum, said: “For me as director of the Netherlands’ leading museum, Philips is the ideal partner to shed new light on our Golden Age.”

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+ Backgrounder 'New light on the Night Watch'