The Six Collection - Amsterdam
 

Would anyone know the disposition of this famous 17th century art collection (once?) housed along the Amstel? I am having no luck finding information via web searches, Rijksmuseum site or NL/A'dam tourist sites. My Eyewitness Guide circa 1999 says only "closed until further notice".

Thank you.

This site implies the Six Collection is an exhibit at the Allard Pierson Museum. You could try emailing them to confirm that it is available for viewing.
http://cf.uba.uva.nl/apm/FrameSet2.html
Hope this helped some...

Sorry, when the window opens, click on "Collections".

Your reply is appreciated Travelnut, and that museum looks interesting, but it is not The Six Collection of which I'm seeking information.

The Six Collection is (was?) made up of furniture, silverware, porcelain and fine paintings which belonged to Amsterdam burgomaster (mayor) Jan Six (1618-1700). He was also a friend of Rembrandt and several paintings by the artist are treasures in the extensive art collection. One, Portrait of Jan Six, painted in 1654 is considered by many to be Rembrandt's finest portrait. It is believed that the painting was Rembrandt's way of paying back a 1000 guilder loan he had received from Six. Another fabulous painting is the Portrait of Anna Wijmer, Six' mother. Jan Six' father-in-law was a model in Rembrandt's famous painting The Anatomy Lesson of Dr Nicolaes Tulp.

In addition to the Rembrandt paintings, the Six Collection also includes works by other Dutch masters such as Frans Hals, Thomas de Keyser and Albert Cuyp.

The 17th century house (mansion) at Amstel 218 which has (had?) this goldmine of art was designed by Adriaan Dortsman and appears remarkably untouched by modernisation. Decendendts of Jan Six, who now own the collection, are still in residence.

Looking around a bookstore today through very current art and travel books I found no mention of the Six Collection, so I'll assume it has closed permanently for reasons unknown. Hope it hasn't been sold-off piecemeal. At any rate, I'll find out the definitive answer when I visit Amsterdam next.

When I saw the collection several years ago, it was open only to small groups several times a week and you had to reserve a place for one of these tours by showing your passport at the Rijksmuseum information desk. So maybe the staff at the Rijksmuseum would have information. You could try e-mailing them at [email protected].

I've actually seen this collection and it is very interesting..not necessarily more so than some others but since you are that interested I would agree with the previous poster..e-mail the Rijksmuseum. If THAT doesn't work and assuming ALL sections of the museum are again open spend your money for a PHONE CALL..they all speak English and ask directly.
Hope it works out for you.