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26 March, 2003
The inauguration of the renovated Boijmans van Beuningen Museum on
10th
May 2003
After radical renovations and the building of an extension, the
modernized
Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum now has considerably more space available
for the public. Not only has the museum been extended, it has also
undergone radical changes. In addition to the new wing, the illustrious
Belgian architect’s firm ‘Paul Robbrecht and Hilde Daem
Architects’ also
designed a beautiful sculpture garden, a new entrance, an extensive
library, a stylish shop and a prints gallery.
The most eye-catching feature of the extension is the 123.5 metres long
facade, clad with glass panels of cathedral glass. The transparent skin
of
this new wing forms a beautiful contrast with the original brick
building,
which was designed by architect Van der Steur and the rooms by architect
Bodon. The relation between visual art and architecture is very
important
to Robbrecht and Daem Architects. The architecture is subservient to the
art. With Robbrecht and Daem’s design an ensemble has been created
that
radiates grandeur and allure. Not only does this building fulfil its
purpose as a museum, it also has a municipal function: it forms a link
between the Westersingel and the Museumpark.
The new exhibition rooms are located behind the long facade on the
street
side, and include a permanent exhibition room for the surrealists and
modern art. When viewed from the street side, the building gives a
transparent impression: there is a view of, successively, the library,
the
new exhibition rooms, the innovative digital depot and transparent
working
areas. Via the courtyard, in which the sculpture garden is located, the
visitor arrives in the high, spacious entrance area. There, you can
begin
your journey into the history of art, from the Middle Ages to the
present.
Demolishing, renovating and adding
Three aspects were important when extending the Boijmans Van Beuningen
Museum: demolishing, renovating and adding. The former restaurant and
museum shop, and the temporary offices at the old entrance were
demolished. The prints gallery and the Bodon room were renovated, and
important sections of the Van der Steur building were restored to their
original state. Finally, not only was 1450 m2 of exhibition space added
around the Bodon section, but also working, study and depot space. The
new
extension of Boijmans Van Beuningen gives an excellent representation of
the many facets of the museum and the collection.
Opening ceremony
On Saturday, 10th May 2003 at 10.00 hours, Mayor Ivo Opstelten will open
the renovated Boijmans van Beuningen Museum. Simultaneously, this will
be
the starting shot for two weekends full of activities for the public.
The Origin of Things
As of 10th May 2003, the exhibition ‘The Origin of Things’
will also be on
view at the Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum. This exhibition focuses on
the
early history of industrially designed products. On the basis of
designs,
maquettes and prototypes, this spectacular exhibition provides insight
into the way in which designers develop their ideas into products. In
this
manner, an international overview is formed, starting with wallpaper and
fabric designs by William Morris and ending with the interior of the
Prada
in New York by Rem Koolhaas.
Exhibition Imaging Ulysses by Richard Hamilton
As of 10th May 2003, there is also an exhibition of the works of the
versatile British artist Richard Hamilton (London, 1922). He is known,
in
particular, as the founder of British Pop Art. For more than 50 years
Hamilton was preoccupied with James Joyce’s much discussed novel
Ulysses,
which he wished to provide with illustrations. Imaging Ulysses
contains
all studies and graphs which have been produced since the start of this
extremely personal project in 1948.
In addition to these exhibitions, several other presentations will also
be
opened on 10th May 2003: a presentation by Olafur Eliasson, the Design
Prize Rotterdam 2003, the history of the Land of Hoboken (the vicinity
of
the museum) and a presentation by Robbrecht & Daem Architects regarding
their collaboration with various artists.
Note for the editorial staff:
On 8th May 2003 a press conference will be held concerning the renovated
Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum. You will receive a separate invitation
for
this shortly. For more information and photographs please contact Mirjam
Gouweloos, Publicity & Marketing department of Boijmans Van Beuningen,
telefoonnummer 010-4419561; e-mail pressoffice@boijmans.rotterdam.nl or
visit the website http://www.boijmans.nl
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