Iconic Amsterdam museum reborn in 'bathtub'

AMSTERDAM (AFP) - An enormous white bathtub made out of bullet-proof material is to catapult Amsterdam's world-famous Stedelijk modern art museum back into the 21st century after an absence of almost 10 years.

The museum that over 70 years ago set the trend for the now ubiquitous white gallery walls reopened last week adorned with its 100m bathtub-shaped extension that architect Mels Crouwel describes as "shiny, flashy... and white".

The Stedelijk's collection of more than 90,000 art and design objects, from Bauhaus to Warhol, is one of the most important in the world, but times have changed since its 20th-century heyday when it had few competitors.

Dozens of modern art museums have sprung up around the world, with franchises such as the Guggenheim becoming globally marketable brands for wealthy cities seeking a higher-profile and tourist cash.