fenestration, the wing opens to
the museum garden on the island.
The extension houses an organic
restaurant that offers views of the
adjacent water and landscape,
and space for temporary
exhibitions.
The existing building houses the
permanent exhibition, library,
multipurpose theatre, entrance
area with reception and museum
shop. Visitors can obtain tourist
information about the Biesbosch
National Park and buy tickets for
the museum and electric boats.
The addition of large dormers
on the roof created space for
the museum’s offices, the Dutch
Forestry Commission and the
Park Board.
The old and new sections of
the museum are surrounded
by earthworks and covered
with a roof of grass and herbs.
The roof adds ecological value,
creating a sculptural object that
reads as land art and, at the
same time, manifests itself in
the surrounding landscape. A
fold in the roof gives way to an
adventurous mountain trail and a
lookout post.
Exhibition
The new permanent exhibition
offers a rich overview of the
history of the Biesbosch, the
culture and the collection of the
museum. The unique story of
the Biesbosch is displayed in
seven pavilions, covering its history from the Elizabeth Flood of 1421 to its current status as
a recreational area. The residents, economy, crafts and nature are displayed in multimedia
spaces that stimulate all senses. Original film material and photographs, interviews and tools
present a personal and vivid account of the area and its residents.
Energy
Both the new wing and existing volume are designed to minimize energy consumption.
The glass front is fitted with state-of-t