Art lovers will be in for a treat next year when Rembrandt’s masterpiece “The Night Watch” gets a makeover under the watchful eye of the public.

Restorers at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam will work in a “state-of-the-art clear glass chamber” so visitors can observe the restoration of the 17th century classic in person or online.

The years-long project, which starts in July 2019, is the biggest in the museum’s history, General Director Taco Dibbits told AFP on Tuesday.

“‘The Night Watch’ by Rembrandt is one of the most famous paintings in the world and we feel we have to preserve it for future generations,” he said.

The last major restoration of the painting of a citizens’ militia completed in 1642 was carried out 40 years ago after a man slashed it with a knife. Since then, experts have noticed a white haze appear on some parts of the masterpiece.

With Wires