The Royal Palace in Amsterdam is getting major roof work to fix leaks that have been dripping into the Palace over the past few years, damaging sculptures and walls in places, even after the building's last major renovation.
When the roof work is finished, statues on the roof, including large eagles at each end, will get a new coat of gold leaf, as they were years ago. In recent years they have been green and not very visible. Hans Vlaardingerbroek, architect for the work, says the gilding will completely change the image.
The Palace, facing Dam Square, was built by 17th-century merchant leaders of Amsterdam as a City Hall, showing off the city's 'Golden Age' wealth. During Napoleon's reign in France, his brother was made King of the Netherlands and took the building as his residence. These days, it serves as a museum, and is used by the Royal Family only for ceremonial events.
Photo: Robert Scarth/Wikimedia
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