Pien Niehe
Europe Press Office,Amsterdam
Arup is appointed as engineer for the renovation and extension of Museum De Lakenhal in Leiden.
Renovation and extension of Museum De Lakenhal is essential in order to strengthen its position of leading art museum in Leiden. The grandeur of the monument 'Laecken-Halle', built in 1641, will be restored. After redevelopment the Lakenhal will be expecting an approximate 70,000 visitors annually.
The museum is deeply rooted in Leiden’s history, which makes it important that the redevelopment reflects optimum quality. Offering building services, fire engineering and security services we are working closely with HappelCornelisseVerhoeven Architects and restoration architect Julian Harrap (London), to create a renewed, modern and accessible museum.
We reinforce our expertise in museum design and engineering following our work on the renowned Stedelijk Museum, the Rijksmuseum, the Mauritshuis in The Hague, which will reopen this year, and the newly built Museum Voorlinden in Wassenaar.
As well as acclaimed artists such as Rembrandt van Rijn and Jan Steen, the museum also exposes modern artists such as Theo van Doesburg, Jan Wolkers and Erwin Olaf. The new wing will offer space for temporary exhibitions of international interest.
Leiden is the Netherland's fourth city of culture. The city is forever planning to invest in the cultural sector in order to maintain an attractive and appealing viewing experience for visitors and inhabitants. The redevelopment of the Lakenhal is planned to take place from 2015 to 2017.