Maarten Baas "electrifies" the facade of a public library in the Netherlands

World-renowned Dutch artist Maarten Baas has created a striking, large-scale installation to highlight the façade of the Central Library on Neude Square in Utrecht, the Netherlands. The space is one of the most iconic buildings in Utrecht , known as a tourist attraction for being the oldest public library in the Netherlands . The building, dating back to 1924, was designed by architect Joseph Crouwel in the style of the Amsterdam School. The artist's intervention brings life, color and a fun touch to the facade of the place. The illuminated structure is 9.5 x 8 meters at the entrance and was installed just above the main door , around an oval stained glass decoration. The sign features illuminated messages seven days a week and has different intensities throughout the day.

“All of my work is open to countless interpretations , and the interpretations can be contradictory in nature,” explains Baas on the question of whether the structure is a cultural temple or a Vegas casino visual. Some Dutch words stand out: Literatuur (Literature), Poëzie (Poetry), but also Strip , a Dutch word for comic strips. Utrecht is a student city, so it advocates words like "Study Study Study or Silence". The project is an expression of love and respect for the cultural function of a public library and for the city of Utrecht, with the aim of energizing the urban landscape and instilling a sense of homeliness and pride in the local community .