The carriage is owned by the Royal Family. King Willem Alexander said last summer that the controversial ‘slave panel’ will not be removed. “It is part of the Dutch cultural heritage.”
According to Hekster, in addition to the controversial panel, there are also other reasons for not using the carriage anymore on Budget Day. “It is an art object that is being restored for millions. Is it obvious to drive it through the rain? Besides, it is controversial. Only one person needs to think of it to throw a can of paint on it and the restoration can be done. start over.”
Public program
The carriage has been restored for years. The people of Amsterdam donated it to Queen Wilhelmina in 1898.
The Amsterdam Museum is already starting a public program this autumn, which will include time for a discussion about the panel and the Dutch colonial past.
The Golden Coach will be on display in a special glass housing in the museum courtyard. The history and function of the carriage is discussed in six museum rooms. “This also pays attention to different perspectives on history”, the RVD writes.
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