Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen Depot
Zuid-Holland
Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen, located in Rotterdam's Museumpark, is a pioneering art depot designed by Dutch architectural firm MVRDV. Opened in 2021, it is the first art depot in the world that allows public access to its entire collection storage. The 39.5-meter high bowl-shaped building is clad with 1,664 reflective panels, creating a mirror-like effect that blends with the surroundings. The depot houses over 151,000 artworks, representing the vast majority of Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen's collection, which is usually hidden from public view. Inside, the collection is organized into fourteen compartments with five different climate controls to preserve diverse materials, including color photographs requiring cooler temperatures. The building also features four restoration studios and thirteen display cases showcasing parts of the collection. On the roof, a 120-seat restaurant offers panoramic views. The depot was conceived after flooding risks in the previous storage prompted a need for safer, more accessible art storage. It is integrated within Museumpark, a cultural green space hosting several museums and art institutions. Despite some criticism regarding its conical shape and limited direct artwork access, the depot represents a unique blend of architecture, art conservation, and public engagement, making art collections more transparent and accessible than ever before.
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Tip: Visit Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen during weekdays or early hours to avoid crowds and enjoy a quieter experience. Purchasing tickets in advance online is recommended, especially for weekends and holidays. The depot offers a combination ticket with Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen. Check for discounts available for students, seniors, and Rotterdam residents. Don't miss dining at the rooftop restaurant for exceptional views of Rotterdam. Note that some artworks are stored on racks with limited direct viewing, so use the Depot app for enhanced digital exploration of the collection.
Interesting facts
- •Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen is the first publicly accessible art depot in the world.
- •The building's reflective facade consists of 1,664 mirror panels covering 6,609 square meters.
- •The depot stores over 151,000 artworks in fourteen compartments with five different climate zones.
- •An IKEA aluminum bowl inspired the building's unique bowl shape.
- •The depot includes four restoration studios and a rooftop restaurant with 120 seats.
- •The Depot app won a Webby Award in 2022 for art and culture software.
- •The building received the Best Building award in the 'Stimulating Environments' category by the Dutch Architectural Firms Association in 2022.
History
The idea for the Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen originated after a severe flood in 2013 endangered the museum's previous storage, highlighting the vulnerability of below-sea-level facilities.
The concept of a publicly accessible art depot had been discussed since 2007 but gained momentum following the flood.
In 2015, the Rotterdam city council approved zoning changes to allow construction in Museumpark.
Construction began in 2017, replacing a grid of acacia trees on the site.
The building was completed and officially opened in November 2021 by King Willem-Alexander.
The project cost approximately 94 million euros, funded partly by the De Verre Bergen foundation and loans.
Since opening, the depot has become a landmark in Rotterdam's cultural landscape, blending innovative architecture with art preservation.
Place Guide
Reflective Bowl-Shaped Building2021
The iconic 39.5-meter high structure is covered with contiguous reflective panels that mirror the surrounding environment, blending the depot into Museumpark. Some panels are matt to protect privacy for nearby hospital patients.
Art Storage Compartments2021
The depot contains fourteen storage compartments with five climate-controlled environments tailored to different materials, such as cooler temperatures for color photographs, ensuring optimal preservation of over 151,000 artworks.
Restoration Studios2021
Four specialized studios within the building where artworks undergo conservation and restoration processes, supporting the museum's commitment to preserving its collection.
Rooftop Restaurant2021
A 120-seat restaurant atop the depot offers visitors panoramic views of Rotterdam, combining culinary experience with cultural immersion.
Display Cases2021
Thirteen display cases inside the depot showcase selected artworks from the collection, providing visitors with direct visual access to pieces not exhibited in the main museum.
Contact
Phone: 010 441 9400
