Arch2O.com

Arch2O.com - Architecture & Design Magazine
Following a European tender process, Spanish architects Cruz y Ortiz Arquitectos of Seville were chosen by a committee chaired by the chief government architect Jo Coenen to lead the transformation of the Rijksmuseum. Cruz y Ortiz proposed minimal alterations to the building itself. The firm has recreated the clear layout conceived by the museum?s original architect, Pierre Cuypers, stripping the building of its later additions to ensure that it is once again a coherent whole. The result transforms the 19th century building into a bright and spacious 21st century museum.
Courtesy of Cruz y Ortiz Arquitectos – Photographs : Pedro Pegenaute, Myra May, Jannes Linders, Duccio Malagamba The new Rijksmuseum features an impressive new entrance area; a new Asian Pavilion; a new outdoor exhibition space and garden; state-of-the-art facilities including new dining spaces, a shop, a restored library and auditorium; renewed education facilities, a new service entrance, a separate building for the conservation of the collection; and climate-control and security features, which are in line with today?s requirements. Also restored to their former glory are the high-ceilinged, spacious, late 19th century galleries.
Courtesy of Cruz y Ortiz Arquitectos – Photographs : Pedro Pegenaute, Myra May, Jannes Linders, Duccio Malagamba
In keeping with the plan to restore the building where possible, the original monumental ornam...