Netherlands Maritime Museum in Amsterdam closed longer than expected

The Netherlands Maritime Museum in Amsterdam, which is said to house the world’s largest collection of boats, has been closed for renovation since January, 2007.

Initially it was expected that the museum would re-open in the summer of 2009, but now it appears that the museum will remain closed until the middle of 2010.

Main reason for the delay is the extensive research into the condition of the 2,000 wooden pillars on which the building rests. Most older buildings in Amsterdam are built on a collection of wooden pillars driven into the sandy soil to provide a firm foundation.

Some are surprised the 350+ year-old building is standing anyway. Travel writer Rodney Bolt writes:

Built as an admirality warehouse in 1655, it’s a wonder the building’s still upright: construction workers were bribed with ‘drinkgelt‘ (drinking money) and finished it in an amazing 9 months and 14 days.
- Source: Cardogan Guide Amsterdam, 2002 edition. Most recent Cardogan Guide Amsterdam from Amazon.com | Amazon UK | Amazon.de

The popular museum draws some 200.000 visitors a year.

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