The Year 2006 marks the 400th birthday of the brilliant artist Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn. Born on July 15, 2006 in Leiden of the Netherlands, Rembrandt became the greatest painter of the Dutch Golden Age. He had an amazing gift of capturing light and dark in paint, and was a true Dutch master.

Holland Remembers Rembrandt

Holland is making preparations to celebrate Rembrandt's birthday with a variety of festivities including performances, exhibits and tours. Rembrandt's works such as the famous "Night Watch" and "Jewish Bride" paintings will be exhibited in the Rijksmuseum of Amsterdam throughout the year 2006. To liven up the exhibits, the museum will also display "fake" paintings that were once thought to be Rembrandt's on March 9, 2006 through May 31, 2006.

Rembrandt's close ties with Judaism are revealed in many of his paintings that have a Biblical theme, which will be on display in an exhibit at the Jewish Historical Museum from November 10, 2006 through February 4, 2007.

Rembrandt fans will be able to tour his birthplace, Leiden, where Rembrandt lived for 25 years. They can also enjoy musical performances about Rembrandt at the Royal Carre Theatre in Amsterdam during July 2006.

A Life of Contributions

The celebrations will not only focus on Rembrandt's birth, but also his successes in the art world. Rembrandt is known for creating more than 600 paintings, almost 2,000 drawings and about 300 etchings during his career. Although he had some very unsettling times during his life, Rembrandt still managed to contribute art that would be enjoyed for many centuries.

Art fans from around the world will be able to explore the life of a great artist and learn about an amazing time in history.