In addition to restoring the original Museum Arnhem building, complete with characteristic historic dome, Benthem Crouwel Architects have completed this unique new extension wing with an eye-catching facade.
Floating 15 meters above the moraine, the new wing provides visitors the sensation of hovering above the trees, while a wide public staircase connects the wing with the renewed sculpture garden and provides beautiful views towards the Rhein.
Displaying a combination of natural colours, the building blends with its surroundings. In total, the new wing is finished with 82,000 hand-crafted tile. A special colour gradient applied to the tiles ranges from earthy tones on the streetside of the building to an ice blue on the river side. Each tile is unique and a work of art in and of itself.
Commencing in 2017, the renovation and expansion of the building has seen an additional 1,100 m2 of state-of-the-art exhibition and public space. The new wing includes five new exhibition halls and two public spaces.
The heart of the Museum nevertheless remains a monumental dome dating from 1873 by Cornelis Outshoorn. The dome portion of the building houses the entrance, shop and café on lower level, while on the upper floor, an accessible activity hall has been added. From the renovated dome, access to the renewed sculpture garden and ‘green outdoor gallery’ is now open to the public.
Throughout the design, old and new are connected to each other and to the surrounding landscape in ways that result in a stimulating and varied Museum experience.
