Mecanoo will design the renovation of Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen. The jury has unanimously chosen Mecanoo as the winning architectural firm. The municipality of Rotterdam and Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen are delighted to start the design process with Mecanoo, led by Francine Houben.
A jury of experts in the field of restoration, renovation and museum environments have chosen Mecanoo unanimously. The jury committee consisted of Chief Government Architect Floris Alkemade, architect André van Stigt, former Director of the Cultural Heritage Agency Cees van 't Veen, the management and experts of the municipality of Rotterdam and Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen.
Vision to future-proof museum
The jury was very pleased with the holistic vision and the comprehensive approach of Mecanoo. The vision offers flexibility within its design solutions, particularly in addressing existing problems. The focus is on a better museum experience, a connection between the museum, museum park and the city of Rotterdam, and a vision for the restoration and sustainability of the monumental buildings.
Francine Houben: “The Mecanoo team worked on the vision with enormous effort. In the coming months we will further develop our vision into a design with that same energy. The monumental buildings will be restored to their former glory. A new routing in Boijmans will be part of a new museum experience. It will also make a welcoming gesture to the city and the Museum Park.”
Directors Ina Klaassen and Sjarel Ex of Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen are delighted with the choice of Mecanoo: “The city and the collection deserve it and we are grateful to everyone for their continuous support. With the choice of Mecanoo we are looking forward to a more inviting museum with an intense public experience and a wonderful connection with the Museum Park and the street.”
Follow-up and planning
In the coming months, Mecanoo, in collaboration with the municipality and Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, will further develop the design for the museum's renovation. The municipality is currently preparing to make the museum building asbestos-free. The actual renovation will start in 2022. The renovated museum is expected to reopen in 2026.
For more information:
Joachim Kost, press officer Vice Mayor Kasmi, tel. +31 6 39 10 73 81, mj.kost@rotterdam.nl
Hanneke Hollander, Head of Business Development and Public Relations Mecanoo, tel. +31 6 51 51 94 02, hanneke.hollander@mecanoo.nl
Daniël Bouw, Head of Marketing and Communications at Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, tel. +31 6 18 55 55 09, bouw@boijmans.nl