Open Air Museum Arnhem – Canon of The Netherlands

Since October 2017 the Dutch Open Air Museum in Arnhem shows the Canon of the Netherlands: a journey through the history of our country, from dolmen to the present. The completely refurbished dome – in which the presentation is located – consists of a fascinating, historic landscape that the visitor can walk through.
Authentic objects are interspersed with digital media. Beautiful ‘film sets’ that blend into each other, show ten different periods of time, made up of fragments of historic buildings and monuments. The Open Air Museum commissioned Heijmerink Wagemakers in the spring of 2016 for the development and realization of all 3D elements and objects within this permanent exhibition, designed by Kossmann. Dejong.

Our role of design assist in the elaboration of the preliminary to the final design and the entire process organization around it, was one in which our expertise came into its own.
The development and realization of the design resulted in a considerable technical challenge. For example, the 54 showcases that are often fully integrated into the decor and that have to meet a complex program of requirements. This is because of the loan of valuable collection pieces by the Rijksmuseum to the Open Air Museum.
It does not need any further argument: we are extremely proud to be able to link our name to this impressive – awards winning – exhibition!

CLIENT: Openluchtmuseum Arnhem
CONCEPT, ART DIRECTION: XPEX Experience Experts
DESIGN: Kossmann.Dejong
TECHNICAL ENGINEERING & REALISATION EXHIBITON: Heijmerink Wagemakers
PHOTOGRAPHY: Mike Bink