MVRDV creates the first museum technical reserve open to the public

When walking through a museum, it may seem as if the institution's entire collection is right there in front of the public. However, in most cases, the exhibits barely scratch the surface of the actual collection. Vast collections of art and artifacts are stored in the technical reserve for research and studies, without being able to be seen by visitors. Rotterdam’s Museumpark, however, is about to change that. MVRDV has just completed Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen , the first open-access repository building for museums. According to Architectural Digest , the building will house more than 151,000 pieces.

A glimpse behind the scenes of museums

The structure was designed in a bowl shape, with a deck on the top floor. The entire exterior was covered with more than 1,664 mirrored panels so that the new complex could blend in with the landscape around Museumpark. “It’s like a painting, reflecting the complete Rotterdam skyline plus the ever-changing sky, like in a life painting,” says Moerel. The building is organized into five different climate zones, and the artworks will be displayed according to preservation needs, not by historical period. “A selection of works will be placed in one of 13 giant display cases in the soaring atrium; others are displayed in the restoration studios,” says Moerel. Visitors have the chance to observe these studios and get a glimpse into the conservation and preservation process.

Democratic and ecological

Stairs crisscross the structure’s atrium and lead to the green roof area, populated by 75 specially bred birch and coniferous trees. “The roof forest will become a public space, accessible without a museum ticket,” says Moerel. “We envision it as the new green room for the city. The roof has not yet been opened, but it has already been declared the most beautiful roof in the Netherlands.” The roof will also house a restaurant that is also accessible to the general public. Sustainability was carefully considered throughout the project. The building is energy neutral thanks to a combination of solar panels, LED lights, insulation and geothermal heat exchange. The basement level features a rainwater storage system, and the collected water will be used for irrigation and toilets. Now that construction is complete, the process of relocating the museum’s collection will begin. Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen is scheduled to open in 2021.