On Friday 13 May, both the renovated Museum Arnhem and its sculpture garden were opened to the public. Karres en Brands was involved in the expansion of the museum from the very first moment. Based on the urban vision and model study of the possibilities for expansion of the museum, the concept for the building was designed and the design of the sculpture garden was implemented.

Image: Karres en Brands

The museum is located in one of the most beautiful places in the Netherlands. The museum’s vision of the future focuses on making the most of this special landscape situation on the edge of the lateral moraine. Furthermore, the museum should be linked to the urban and landscape developments in the city, such as the development of the cultural programme in the city centre and the development along the quays of the Rhine. This open attitude and the search for links are reflected in the physical appearance of the building, designed by Benthem Crouwel Architects, and the garden. As such, the museum can be viewed as a link in a larger whole. This means, among other things, better visibility from the city as well as anchoring in a network of links.

Image: Jannes Linders

The museum’s former sculpture garden has had a serious makeover. Karres en Brands’ design of the sculpture garden is contemporary and ties in with the old park structure that once existed in front of the entire lateral moraine. It featured meandering paths, so that walkers never knew what would come after the bend. This layout is now used to ensure the various art objects always result in amazement.

The wide public staircase connects the garden with the museum in a special way and leads the visitor to the floodplain landscape behind it. On the one side, the staircase lands in the garden with a platform which serves as a podium. On the other, the staircase ends at a ‘window’ offering a view of the river. When performances are held in the garden, the staircase also serves as stands for audiences.

Image: Jannes Linders

The garden is like an outdoor hall of the museum and provides space for existing and new works of art and is a platform for performances and activities.

 
Image: Jannes Linders