The Kröller-Müller Museum has ambitious expansion plans. To realize this, the Japanese architect Tadao Ando delivered a design in 2020, with respect for the natural environment and the existing buildings. The European tender procedures for the design team will be completed in June 2023. Architectural firm MVSA will further develop the design, in close collaboration with Tadao Ando Architect & Associates. Van Rossum Consulting Engineers was chosen as the constructor, Valstar Simonis makes the installation design and DGMR advises on building physics, fire safety, acoustics and sustainability. ToornendPartners provides project management together with the museum.
Expansion of the building is necessary to create more space for the collection, which is of world class and of which large parts are now forced to remain in storage. The expansion is also a precondition for guaranteeing the quality of the public experience in the future and bringing all museum facilities up to the desired contemporary level. At the same time, the plans offer the museum an excellent opportunity to become more sustainable.
The most eye-catching part of the design is a new entrance pavilion, with the facilities and allure befitting an internationally renowned art museum. Due to the transparency of the pavilion, the view of the existing buildings by Henry van de Velde and Wim Quist remains completely intact. The other building parts are largely realized underground, with the refined light entry characteristic of Ando's architecture.
The expansion will contribute to the recognition, positioning and appreciation of the Kröller-Müller Museum as one of the undisputed international museum icons.
Construction is expected to start in late 2025, early 2026. The museum's collection and sculpture garden will remain accessible during the construction period.
