Urban Salon were exhibition designers for The National Gallery's exhibition, Rembrandt: The Late Works.

Light colour tones were used for the sections exploring Rembrandt’s techniques with darker colour tones for the sections exploring more emotive themes. Six entrance tunnels lined the doorways to the rooms within the gallery space. The tunnels are made from textured timber veneer which contrasts with the coloured walls of the gallery. The angled doorways frame dramatic vistas and enhance the key works of art for each room.  

This project marks the first time that Urban Salon has worked for the National Gallery.

‘I wanted something that was simple and modern, but at the same time respectful of Rembrandt's work. Urban Salon has come up with a design that expresses essential messages of the show in a very simple, direct and elegant way.  The chiaroscuro effects and textured surfaces of the entry 'tunnels' immediately signal to the visitor key elements of Rembrandt's art. The wall colours work beautifully with paintings, drawings and prints - no easy task - and the variation from room to room propels the mood of the exhibition towards its dramatic conclusion.’

Betsy Wieseman, Curator, The National Gallery

Photo credit: © The National Gallery, London