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Historic museum Scheveningen to become modern cultural center

Friday Jan 10, 2025

The Hague-based architectural firm LIAG together with KVDK architects from Noordwijk, have been commissioned by The Hague's central real estate organization to design the renovation of Muzee. This museum, located in Scheveningen, a historic coastal district of The Hague, is dedicated to local maritime life and the fishing industry. It will undergo extensive renovations in the coming years. Tamara Peers, director of Muzee, looks forward to the project with enthusiasm: "We're delighted that we can finally renovate. At last, we can realize our dream: building an attractive and contemporary museum for everyone while preserving the building's historic character." The agreement with the Municipality of The Hague was signed today.

The renovated museum will not only house its collection but will also serve as a center for cultural activities and a meeting place for the local community. Carina Nørregaard, architect and partner at LIAG, is excited about this special commission: "It's more than just a building. Muzee represents connection. It's a place of great significance for the residents of Scheveningen and Duindorp. In the coming period, we want to work with all stakeholders to create a design that has broad support." A participatory process will therefore be part of the design phase.

"The renovation focuses on improving climate control systems to better preserve the collection, while also making this historic municipal building more sustainable. The project aims to transform it into a fully climate-neutral building. Wiebe van Houten, architect and partner at KVDK, adds: "We're going to transform the building – a former school – into a space that brings stories to life and connects people. Flexibility is crucial in this regard. The museum must be able to accommodate a wide range of cultural programs in the future. Just like the nearby North Sea, this cultural hub will be vibrant and ever-changing."

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