Concept design marks key milestone in the renewal of Museum Batavialand

The renewed Museum Batavialand is defined by coherence. Where the shipyard and museum are currently separated, a single, unified museum site will emerge. All elements are connected through a continuous narrative, with the landscape and subsoil as the common thread. A key feature of the concept design is the historic ship Batavia, which will take a central position at the heart of the museum and serve as an important point of orientation.

Stories of shipwrecks, land reclamation, archaeological discoveries and traditional crafts will be fully expressed in a contemporary museum presentation. Visitors will be able to choose their own route and move freely between past and present, while also gaining insight into the work of researchers and craftspeople. In 2026, Batavia will be brought onto land, where it will form a connecting focal point together with the new entrance building.

Thanks to the support of the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands, the Province of Flevoland, the Municipality of Lelystad and Museum Batavialand, the museum is evolving into both a national and provincial institution. Preparatory works on site will begin shortly, while the museum will remain open to the public as much as possible during construction.

The opening of the renewed Museum Batavialand is planned for the end of 2028. The completion of the concept design marks an important first step in this process and forms the starting point for the further development of the design.

Image: © De Zwarte Hond