EARTH
International project
Biesbosch Museum Island
W
ater safety was the key reason for the development of the
Biesbosch Museum Island. As part of a national water safety
programme, the 4450-hectare Noordwaard polder has been
turned into a water-retention area. Outlets on either side of the
Biesbosch Museum were dug to create a new island.
For most visitors, the Biesbosch Museum is the starting point
for exploring the Biesbosch National Park. The museum,
however, was outdated and not equipped to accommodate
the growing visitor numbers. A lack of adequate catering
facilities was particularly urgent. Moreover, the presentation of the collection needed
an overhaul. In 2012, some 35 000 people visited the museum, while in the first three
months since the reopening, no fewer than 30 000 people visited the complex!
Museum Building
To avoid any unnecessary waste of material or energy, the hexagonal structure of the
original Biesbosch Museum pavilions has been retained, and a new 1 000m2 wing
was added on the south-western side of the building. Featuring extensive areas of
l view of Biesbosch Museum Island
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