Since 1847 the concert halls of Musis Sacrum and its surroundings had taken on a range of different forms and positions in the park that reflected the short time needs of its operators, city officials and residents.The project consists of a renovation of the existing monument and a new extension with a long-term planning in mind. The extension features alarge concert hall and supportive functions.

The design draws its origin to the core of the institution that defines Musis Sacrum: to perform and listen to music in excellent acoustical conditions witin an attractive green context. The inspiration of the design reflects clearly the character of the Park, the Musis Sacrum Institute and the identity of the Gelders Philharmonic Orchestra and its concert hall. No concessions are made regarding multi-functionality and acoustics, enabling the Musis Sacrum institute to be a home for all kinds of shows and events, ranging from symphony concerts to pop gigs and everything in between.

The extension is designed as an inviting and transparent pavilion respectfully complementing the historic building in its beautiful surroundings. The new large concert hall features a large glass window behind its stage that opens up to the park and acts as a botanical backdrop. The unique quality consists of the fact that this huge window can also be opened for outdoor performances. Unlike its existing extension the new multi-purpose hall is positioned as a separate volume in the park, ensuring that our design gives the Musis Sacrum both the stage and space it deserves.

Koninklijke Tichelaar was approached by Van Dongen Koschuch Architects and Planners for the ceramic cladding for the expansion of the Musis Sacrum theater in Arnhem.

The design is inspired by the atmosphere and character of the Musis Sacrum institute, the possibilities and characteristics of the leafy Musispark and the identity of the Gelders Orkest and the MSSA itself. The extension will be designed as an inviting and all-round pavilion in the park that respects the existing municipal monument in a respectful way and is beautifully carved into the landscape. The concert hall has a large glass façade behind the stage that acts as a green backdrop during performances and can be opened to the Musispark for summer evening concerts in the open air. Existing and new are connected to each other by a common plinth, giving the Musis Sacrum a contemporary monumentality that goes with such a musical program.

For our company, this project is an interesting assignment, because we have developed special "tubes" for this. A project that has raised our ceramic knowledge to an even higher level.