On 1 November 2025, the Canal Museum opened a unique mirrored floor installation in its stateroom on the first floor. The floor of the Andriessen Room will be temporarily covered entirely with mirrors. Visitors enter wearing special slippers. In this period room of the 17th-century canal house, past and present converge: the famous murals by Jurrian Andriessen from 1776 interplay with the ceiling painting by Pascal Amblard from 2022. The mirrored floor adds a new dimension. It offers visitors a dazzling experience and allows them to discover the surrounding artworks in a new way. Moreover, the large mirrored surface creates a unique perspective for photography.
The mirrored floor installation adorns the monumental Andriessen Room, the stateroom of the Canal Museum. The room’s name refers to the mural’s creator, Jurriaan Andriessen (1742-1819). He painted an idyllic landscape full of romantic elements: a country lane, animals, a ruin, a bridge over stagnant water, lush nature. Visitors imagine themselves in a sprawling garden – with a view of the actual garden behind the house. After meticulous research, the room’s wooden panelling was recently restored to its colour scheme dating to around 1875.
Ceiling painting connects cultures
In 2022, the room received a modern addition with the ceiling painting ‘Dream of Connectedness’ by French artist Pascal Amblard. At first glance, it appears to be a classic 18th-century work, but upon closer inspection, contemporary themes are woven into it. Amblard was inspired by the history of Amsterdam and the question of how people from different cultures and backgrounds live together. A dreaming young man forms the key to the performance: in his dream, diverse figures appear in peaceful interaction. Amblard thus presents a contemporary story of connection and diversity, subtly wrapped in a traditional painting style.
Photogenic visual illusion
The mirrored floor allows visitors to experience the room and its paintings in a different way. The reflection literally connects the walls and ceiling, making the space appear larger and more intense. Visitors are immersed in a visual illusion in which past and present merge. The installation makes the richness of the paintings not only tangible but also surprisingly photogenic. Martijn Bosch, director of the Canal Museum: ‘When the visitor puts on slippers and steps onto the mirrored floor, they are immersed in a sensory art experience. This immersive experience allows us to introduce visitors even more fully to the special paintings and the historical significance of this room.’
The mirrored floor was partially funded by the Zabawas Fund. The installation is on view until 1 March 2026.
Canal Museum.
Herengracht 386
Amsterdam
grachten-museum