There's no doubt that hanging round airports is one of the most boring things in the world. Though someone once failed to get permission to liven up Amsterdam's Schiphol airport by adding a strip joint, the airport is offering its passengers a more highbrow alternative - an exhibition of 'old masters' in the waiting lounge.

The exhibition, due to open in early December, features works by Dutch Golden Age artists Rembrandt, Pieter de Hooch and Jan Steen, and will be punctuated with temporary exhibitions of other works from Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum.

Schiphol spokesperson Mirgam Snoerwang said: 'Schiphol is an "airport city", a dynamic hub where people and the world meet. We are always looking to add value to our passengers' stay.'

As part of the 'airport city' concept, the 40 million passengers who use the airport annually - it's the world's fourth busiest - can already use a shopping plaza, chapel and casino. But when an entrepreneur from Amsterdam's red-light district applied for a licence to open a 'relax club' (strip joint) in the airport, the offer was declined.

In a recent Skytrax survey of 1.5 million flyers Schiphol was voted the world's fourth best airport of 2002. First choice was Hong Kong's four-year-old International Airport. With a terminal building designed by Lord Foster, it is the largest covered space in the world, stretching across 24 miles.

In second place was Singapore's Changi airport, which offers local tours, plus a rooftop bar and swimming pool.

Arguably the most life-changing transit experience is, however, offered by Dubai's Sheikh Rashid terminal - which claimed seventh place in the Skytrax survey - where, for £180, you can enter a raffle and win $1m.