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 1000 m2 wing was added on the
south-western side of the building. Featuring extensive areas of
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.
Floor Plan
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 a