Centraal Museum, Utrecht

From December 2023, Collectie Centraal presents the Centraal Museum’s permanent collection in a completely renewed way. More than 400 objects—ranging from ancient, modern and contemporary art to fashion, design and urban history—show how the museum not only reflects society but actively helps shape it alongside artists, designers and visitors.

Together with the museum team and external experts, we created a sequence of interconnected yet distinct spaces. Each room has its own atmosphere, narrative structure and presentation method, highlighting a different aspect of the relationship between art, its breeding grounds and society. The universal themes allow contemporary interventions and collection updates to be seamlessly integrated without losing the overarching storyline. Open sightlines let visitors connect works across time periods and disciplines.

From the outset, client Bart Rutten and the designers aimed for an accessible, multidisciplinary and joyful experience where every visitor feels welcome and represented – the result: a clear, dynamic display that celebrates art and its makers.

In collaboration with team Centraal Museum, Roderik van der Weijden, Alex Clay (graphic design), Joost de Bey (light), Fiction Factory (realization).

Photography Centraal Museum Utrecht / Gert Jan van Rooi