Craving for Boijmans

To celebrate its 175th anniversary, Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen is presenting "Craving for Boijmans." This art route through the museum revisits seven significant moments from its history, brought back to life through the collection and historical documents.

I had the pleasure of working at this event, spending time speaking with guests and learning about the building. From an architectural perspective, it was particularly interesting to observe the building in its dissected state. There was something poetic about the ruins, a beauty that emerges just before something fades away. The guests were a mix of Rotterdammers and newcomers like myself. While I observed everything with wonder and curiosity, many older visitors felt a deep sadness. Having experienced the museum in its full glory, they found this transitional phase especially emotional, contemplating their own mortality and hoping they would still be alive when the renovations are complete.

The contrast between the artwork and the historic building created a unique spatial experience. The exhibition sparked discussions about the upcoming renovations, offering a creative way to experiment with the temporary space. There was a sense of intimacy between visitors and the building. Surrounded by peeling paint and crumbling stone, we wore helmets that reminded us of our shared fragility. This mutual acknowledgment of impermanence created a special bond as we navigated the museum's history together.