Towards a new museum
Municipality of Steenwijkerland (NL), 2021
The range of shops in Steenwijk’s town centre is shrinking. An important national sculpture collection is housed in a basement. And a listed block of stables has stood empty for years. A new museum concept presents a potential solution to a set of seemingly unrelated problems.
Old-time sweet shop
A new sweet shop will soon open on Steenwijk’s market square. Shoppers can stop by for a bag of old-fashioned bay liquorice or cinnamon stick candy. But they’ll also discover plenty of other treats inside. A heritage workshop will serve as a place to engage with and record local history and give tourists a starting point for exploring the area. Walking through the building, visitors will taste the past.
An enchanting, multitalented artist
The sculptures of the multitalented Steenwijk-born artist Hildo Krop changed the face of Amsterdam forever. A large portion of his personal collection has ended up in his home town. The works will soon move to a historic building where they will receive the attention and care they deserve. The iconic Spijkervetstallen stables are being converted into a high-quality art museum on a par with others in the region.
A master plan for the town council
A master plan brought together an analysis of the problem and a solution: two museums in one organisation. Visualisations brought the idea to life, and a detailed cost assessment spelled out the necessary investments. After reviewing the plan, the municipality of Steenwijkerland decided to develop the idea further.
“In our sustainable tourism plan we talk about dispersal and attraction. Renovation of the museums with benefits for the wider area dovetails perfectly with that.”
Bram Harmsma, alderman, municipality of Steenwijkerland
Credits
Client
Gemeente SteenwijkerlandContent Design
Studio LouterSpatial Design
OPERA Amsterdam