De Groen Art Collection

After having been in use as a ballet school, this listed monument, which was built for a merchant’s bank late in the nineteenth century, now houses the De Groen Collection, a private collection of contemporary art. All of the previous uses have left their traces in the building. In the remodelling, extraordinary spatial qualities, historical traces and scarring to the monumental tissue have all been optimally employed. With a modest number of architectural interventions, NEXIT was able to create a large diversity of spaces for a varied programme and the presentation of a large collection of contemporary art. When searching for technical improvements and solutions for heating and ventilation systems, upholding the basic character and history of the building was a primary goal. The reinstated atrium, featuring a soaring restored Art Nouveau skylight, is the focal point within the maze of spaces. The De Groen Collection received an honourable mention in the 2018 publication of Dutch national award the Gouden Piramide.