ROTTERDAM, 28 June 2024 – Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen is set to undergo a significant renovation with a new design by Mecanoo architects, supported by Stichting Droom en Daad. The renewed museum is expected to open in 2029, offering enhanced visitor experiences.
Renovation of Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen receives broad support
The College of Mayor and Aldermen of Rotterdam, along with Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, has announced substantial support for the new renovation design by Francine Houben of Mecanoo architects. The ambitious plan, made feasible through a contribution from Stichting Droom en Daad, aims to modernise the museum building to meet contemporary standards for showcasing its renowned collection and exhibitions. Improvements include a clear layout, high-quality exhibition halls, enhanced accessibility, and a new main entrance in the heart of the renovated sections. The reopening is anticipated in 2029.
Funding and future knowledge centre
In addition to a donation of €80 million from Stichting Droom en Daad, the foundation will also contribute to the museum’s future knowledge centre. The College of Mayor and Aldermen is proposing the municipal council approve this ambitious plan.
The new design
The new design represents a fresh chapter in the museum’s history. It focuses on restoring the monumental sections designed by Van der Steur, Bodon, and Henket and adheres to the five principles set by the municipal council in 2021 for the renovation, which include:
- A welcoming entrance
- Improved logistics
- Enhanced routing within the museum
- Restoration of the Van der Steur, Bodon, and Henket sections
- Connecting the museum with the city and Museum Park
The architectural concept by Mecanoo features a single, clear intervention at the museum’s core, linking all sections. A sunken plaza will mark the new entrance, granting access to Bodon and Van der Steur, both fully dedicated to exhibition space.
A sunken plaza will mark the new entrance, granting access to Bodon and Van der Steur, both fully dedicated to exhibition space.
The Robbrecht and Daem section will be demolished, allowing the national monuments Bodon and Van der Steur to be visible from the city. Removing Robbrecht and Daem will also create space for a back-of-house solution addressing logistical issues related to art, goods, food, and waste. The courtyard will be covered and used as a multifunctional area. On the park side, a new museum entrance near the Henket pavilion will connect the museum with the park, with the pavilion becoming a museum restaurant.
The design enjoys widespread support from the college, Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, the Commission for Environmental Quality and Cultural Heritage, and the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands (Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed). The plan includes thorough restoration and modernisation, with attention to fire safety, sustainability, and the preservation of monumental values.
Boijmans Van Beuningen's new design revealed
Background
The renovation has faced challenges in recent years. The original design was financially unviable and did not meet permit requirements, leading to a pause in April 2023. This resulted in the renewed Ambitievariant design, influenced by the museum’s vision and advice from the Commission for Environmental Quality and Cultural Heritage and the Cultural Heritage Agency. The new design has been positively received by all parties involved.
Additional investment
The renovation requires an additional investment of over €100 million on top of the municipal council’s allocated budget of €223 million. This increase is largely offset by €89 million in external contributions. The college is requesting a one-time additional €23 million from the municipal council to cover incidental project costs. Further details will be developed in the coming months.
Planning
Following the summer recess, the municipal council will receive further updates on the business case. The schedule is as follows:
- Council discussion of the proposal in September 2024
- Preliminary design ready: Q1 2025
- Final design ready: between Q3 2025 and Q1 2026
- Final credit allocation and execution decision: Q1 2026
With these concrete steps and the support of both the municipal council and philanthropic contributions, the municipality and museum management are making a significant leap towards the future of Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen.
Boijmans Van Beuningen's new design revealed
Location details
Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen is located at Museumpark 18-20, 3015 CX Rotterdam. It is situated within the Museum Park area, a cultural hub in the city. The (currently closed) museum can be reached via public transport, with nearby tram and metro stops providing convenient access. For visitors driving to the museum, parking is available in the vicinity.
