Rembrandt at Gate 22

by Nicola Shepherd

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AMSTERDAM airport is to become host to some of the world's greatest art treasures, and air travellers will be able to enjoy the displays for free.

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Every year 40 million people pass through Amsterdam's Schipol airport, one of Europe's busiest. In a new arrangement with the internationally-renowned Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, paying passengers, who have passed through ticket controls, will be able to take time out to enjoy a selection of the priceless Vermeers and Rembrandts for which the collection is famous.

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This is�the first time such a� link between the bustle and noise�of an airport and the calm serenity of a museum interior has been attempted.

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There is not a lot of 'free art' on display in the UK, compared with the rest of Europe. As any road traveller through France will attest, there are fine examples of modern art, sculpture and architecture throughout the country, all paid for by the state for the enjoyment and entertainment�of the people.

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Should the British government subsidise more art exhibitions or is it reasonable to expect the public to contribute to the costs of these shows � Share your views with us on The AnswerBank�message boards now.