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As thousands of commuters pass through Amsterdam’s Amstel Station each day, few expect to be walking on a world-class art installation. Yet beneath their feet lies a groundbreaking wood floor recreation of Rembrandt’s The Night Watch, an innovative project that combines artistry with flooring science while highlighting important lessons for facility managers charged with balancing aesthetics, durability, and sustainability.
The installation, created by Dutch master parquet artist, Jakko Woudenberg, spans nearly 20 square feet and comprises 195,000 one-by-one centimeter, hand-cut wooden pixels. More than a display piece, this floor serves as a living example of how wood can transcend its traditional role while meeting the demands of a busy public space. For facility managers, the project underscores the evolving potential of flooring not only as a durable surface, but also as a medium for engagement, storytelling, and brand identity. A beautiful work of art, it is intended to be used as a podium for creatives to give speeches or performances – serving as a platform for creativity and expression in a place many wouldn’t consider.
Four Years of Precision Craft
Reimagining Rembrandt’s 17th-century masterpiece in wood took four years of meticulous planning and execution. Each centimeter-sized piece was chosen and placed to capture the depth, light, and movement of the original artwork. Notably, the project even restored elements of the painting where the canvas was historically trimmed, reflecting both technical precision and respect for heritage.
Unlike its museum counterpart, this version of The Night Watch is designed to be walked on. Its placement in a bustling public transit station demonstrates the role flooring can play in shaping visitor experience. For managers overseeing public or commercial facilities, the installation illustrates how flooring choices can influence perception, create memorable spaces, and support broader institutional missions.
The project also incorporated an educational component, inviting students from Regius College Schagen in the Netherlands to participate in crafting the wood tiles, engaging the next generation in skilled trades that are critical to the future of the flooring and facilities industries.
Behind-the-Scenes Engineering with Bona
To make the floor a reality in such a high-traffic transportation hub, Woudenberg turned to Bona for technical expertise. After partnering with the flooring leader for his acclaimed Annual Rings Floor project that transformed hundreds of wood segments into a mesmerizing floor design mimicking the natural growth rings of a tree, Woudenberg knew Bona would be able to provide customized products for this instillation to ensure the project would be a success. Creating specialized adhesives, abrasion systems, and custom coatings, developed through its Research and Development team, Bona’s products for The Night Watch were engineered to meet dual demands of aesthetics and durability. The result: a surface that not only captures the visual drama of Rembrandt’s famous painting, but will also withstand the daily wear of thousands of footsteps These tailored flooring solutions, backed by technical expertise, will help extend the life of the installation while maintaining its appearance under heavy use.
A Model for Future Projects
The Night Watch installation not only aligns with Bona’s mission to elevate the craft of flooring while investing in its future, but also growing industry priorities in innovation, education, and sustainability. As the facilities industry continues to evolve, this project highlights the intersection of craftsmanship and art in a new, inspiring way that many may not have thought possible.
In any facility, it’s a reminder that every surface underfoot carries potential. Flooring is no longer just about function – it can serve as a platform for durability, beauty, and even cultural expression in the right type of medium. As the installation prepares to leave Amsterdam, venues worldwide now have the opportunity to host this one-of-a-kind work. After an update by Woudenberg and his trusted partner FIJN Timmerwerk, the art floor will be ready to travel the world – and inspire new visitors wherever it goes.