Groninger Museum reopens after renovation
featuring new designer interiors
Groningen
The Netherlands
After a renovation project which took over 8 months, the Groninger Museum has reopened its doors to the public. As well as general restoration of existing features such as the Alessandro Mendini designed pavilion, and the buildings 'golden tower'; the work features new interiors by designers Maarten Baas, Studio Job and Jaime Hayon. The overall feel is surreal, playful and definitely not minimal.
Jamie Hayon created a new visitors’ information centre, with a slightly 60s feel. The space utilizes over head lamps, mirrors and pod-like computer booths.
Maarten Bass, derived his inspiration for his re-working of the restaurant, from his Clay collection. The designer created handmade furniture pieces with industrial clay and metal.
It is perhaps Studio Job who have provided the most striking creation in their design for the reception hall lounge. For this, the inspiration was a typical 19th-century private gentlemen’s club, but of course with a characteristic twist and ornamental embellishments favoured by the studio, such as skeletons and stained glass.
The total cost of the work was 6 million Euros. The museum explains its reasoning behind the work on the building:
"The Groninger Museum as such is not merely a building that accommodates art exhibitions; it is a piece of art in its own right. ... The museum building, being a monumental example of postmodern architecture in itself, is the most precious and best-known piece of the Groninger Museum’s art collection."
For more information
The Groninger Museum
Jamie Hayon - Visitor information centre
Jamie Hayon - Visitor information centre
Maarten Bass - Clay Collection chairs in Mendini Restaurant
Studio Job - Lounge
Studio Job - Robber Baron', bronze table
Studio Job - Robber Baron, Standing Lamp