When the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam transports Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch” to its new Philips Wing sometime before Dec. 20 (for security reasons, it’s not saying exactly when), the scene will resemble a cross between a space-shuttle launch and a protected witness arriving at court to testify. The priceless painting will be covered with a sensor-studded, high-tech security blanket made by Philips (natch): 475 pounds of thermal insulation and humidity protection augmented, just in case, with a layer of police-vest Kevlar. A dozen or so specialists equipped with a “secure network” digital-communication system will do the heavy lifting–and watching. The museum has rehearsed the move in secret; for the real thing, the public can tune in via Webcams on a link at Philips.com. Let’s just hope someone’s minding that tempting little Vermeer they’re leaving behind.
