In a fusion of fine art and flooring craftsmanship, Amsterdam’s Amstel Station has become home to a one-of-a-kind wood floor installation recreating renowned artist Rembrandt’s famous painting from 1642, "The Night Watch."

The floor-based masterpiece by Dutch master parquet artist Jakko Woudenberg spans nearly 20 square feet, featuring 195,000 one-by-one centimeter, hand-cut wooden pixels. Bona offered technical expertise and developed specially formulated products for the piece, including stains, adhesives, and finishes, to ensure the installation’s success

Unveiled this spring, Woudenberg’s take on one of the world’s most recognizable paintings isn’t just a visual marvel, it’s a testament to what’s possible when innovation, tradition, and collaboration come together – showing the world that wood floors can be a beautiful work of art.

A Four-Year Journey 

Reimagining Rembrandt’s 17th-century canvas in wood was no small feat. Woudenberg spent four years carefully selecting, crafting, and assembling tiny wooden pieces to mirror the intricate light, depth, and motion of the original painting. In addition, parts that were once trimmed from the original canvas were restored in Woudenberg’s version, using historical references to reimagine what Rembrandt may have intended.

Adding another layer of significance, the project was completed with help from students at Regius College Schagen in the Netherlands, who were invited to participate in crafting the individual wood tiles, a nod to the next generation of skilled craftsmen.

Bona’s Craftsmanship Behind the Scenes

Bona’s contribution to the project was integral to making the piece come to life. Building on a longstanding relationship, this was not the first time the artist and the company had collaborated. In 2022, Woudenberg used a suite of Bona product to create his acclaimed Annual Rings Floor project that transformed hundreds of wood segments into a mesmerizing floor design that mimicked the natural growth rings of a tree – symbolizing time, sustainability, and craftsmanship. Showcasing his exceptional ability to blend artistic vision with technical precision, he quickly earned a reputation for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in wood flooring design. 

From his experience with the "Annual Rings Floor," Woudenberg trusted Bona for this next artistic venture. Bona consulted with Woudenberg, offering technical expertise and specially formulated products to complement his attention to detail and passion for storytelling through wood for this new project. From customized adhesives and abrasion systems to tailored coatings developed by Bona’s in-house Research and Development team, every aspect of the materials used was engineered to support the unique demands of the installation, showcasing how wood flooring can take on different characteristics outside of a traditional hardwood floor. The surface needed to be both beautiful, staying true to the vision of recreation, and durable enough to withstand public foot traffic during its exhibition at the busy station. 

“In my book, hardwood floors have always been works of arts in their own right,” Woudenberg said. “This piece of artistry took it to the next level in a way that many couldn’t have imagined, and I couldn’t have done it without the support of Bona.” 

Walkable Artwork

Unlike its museum-housed counterpart, this version of "The Night Watch" invites physical interaction – a place for people to stand on and be seen. On display in the bustling public space of Amstel Station, it’s a rare opportunity for passersby to experience fine art in an immersive, floor-based format.

Inspiring the Future of Flooring

The "Night Watch" project is perfectly aligned with Bona’s broader mission: to elevate the craft of flooring while investing in its future. By supporting education, innovation, and sustainability in the wood flooring industry, Bona continues to lead with purpose. Projects like "The Night Watch" installation don’t just demonstrate what’s technically possible – they reinforce flooring’s role as a medium for beauty, durability, and expression.

“Helping to create 'The Night Watch' in wood presented an opportunity to showcase the versatility of wood flooring products in an artistic context,” said Eric Tersteeg, vice president of sales EMEA at Bona. “We were pleased to support Jakko’s vision, and it was especially rewarding to see students from craft schools involved in the process. This project highlights the intersection of woodworking, craftsmanship, and art while inspiring a new generation to explore opportunities in the wood flooring industry.”

As travelers step across this modern masterpiece, they’re not only engaging with the memory of Rembrandt’s original creation – they’re walking on decades of knowledge, innovation, and passion for wood flooring poured into every pixel. And soon, travelers across the world will have the same opportunity. Intended to be used as a podium for creatives to give speeches or performances, Woudenberg is looking to display the piece in other public spaces across the globe after it ends its residency at Amsterdam’s Amstel Station in August.

After undergoing maintenance work through Woudenberg and trusted partner FIJN Timmerwerk, the project will be ready to travel around the world. The story of reawakening Rembrandt’s legacy continues!