Museum Catharijneconvent
Museum Catharijneconvent in Utrecht is the national museum of Christian heritage, focusing on the role of religion and serving as a centre of knowledge and reflection. Art, heritage, and personal stories form the foundation of its collection, with attention to both aesthetic and cultural historical value.
The current building, designed for 100,000 visitors annually, no longer meets the needs of the 160,000 visitors it now receives. Closely tied to Utrecht’s history, the building remains an essential part of the experience. The proposal addresses logistical challenges, accommodates growth, and introduces opportunities for sustainability.
The renovation translates the museum’s values of openness and attentiveness into a clear architectural design. A new, well-organised route guides visitors through the complex. Three large arched openings connect the museum to the city, while a natural stone-clad gallery completes the cloister. At the heart lies a double-height crossing where routes converge, linking to a new exhibition building and an underground foyer.
The design brings together indoor and outdoor spaces, encouraging reflection on faith, identity, and life.
Info
- Location
- Utrecht, NL
- Date
- 2022–
- Size
- 7,930 sqm
- Client
- Stichting Museum Catharijneconvent
- Team
- Alice Colombo, Bas Barendse, Bo Kuiper, Christiaan Frankin, Dennis Bruijn, Dikkie Scipio, Eli Dorsman, Filipa van der Laan, Giacomo Rizzi, Ivan Potapenko, Jannik Niewiadomski, Kees Kaan, Luuk Dietz, Michalina Wawro, Samara Zukoski, Thomas Hagemeijer, Vincent Panhuysen, Wouter Langeveld
- Management
- Webbers Bouwmanagement
- Restauration architect
- Origin Architecture & Engineering
- Exhibition designer
- Opera | Studio Louter
- Construction advisor
- WSP
- Technical installations advisor
- Huisman & Van Muijen
- Fire safety, acoustics, building physics engineer
- LBP Sight
- Landscape architect
- Arjan Boekel
- Visualizations
- PF Visual
