After museum doors had closed for the day, one terminally ill woman was able to experience a private viewing of a popular exhibit thanks to a Dutch charity.

Earlier this week, charity organization Stichting Ambulancewens granted the woman’s dying wish to see her favourite exhibit at the Rijksmuseum, a collection of the works of 17th century Dutch artist Rembrandt.

The 78-year-old woman, who suffers from ALS, was part of a small group taken through the gallery on stretcher beds. The group was given a chance to get up close and personal with the paintings after the public crowds had dispersed for the day.

Kees Veldboer, a former ambulance driver who formed the charity in 2007, said the woman "was very happy to be able to enjoy it in peace for the last time."

 

The charity, whose name translates to “Ambulance Wish Foundation,” uses a fleet of customized Mercedes ambulances, and has realized the last wishes of 6,000 terminally ill patients since its foundation.

In Seattle last year, a former forest ranger had his wish granted in a similar situation. The man, who had been living in hospice for years, was taken out into nature one last time with the help of the local fire department.

With files from the Associated Press