Established in 1997, the Frisia Museum is located in Spanbroek, a village in the province of Noord Holland. The museum houses a large of collection of magic realist art in a former school building. Besides extra space, the museum needed a building that better suited its collection.
The design captures the mysterious atmosphere of magic realism by using unusual materials, light, symbolism and clear routing to intensify the experience of the museum collection. The design is composed of nine volumes grouped around a courtyard like a village. Visitors enter this intriguing domain via a bridge that hovers above the water.
The imposing entrance is located in the largest volume, or Dorpshuis, containing the entrance building. The entrance itself resembles a giant magical eye, a symbol from magic realism.
The Dorpshuis contains a cafe with outdoor terrace, library, auditorium, museum shop and kids’ play area. An alcove showcases the museum’s latest acquisitions. The temporary exhibition galleries are located on the ground floor. Grand timber stairs lead from the Dorpshuis to the permanent collection on the first floor.
A mysterious light shines from a second magical eye at the top of the stairs, from where visitors enjoy views of the sculpture garden. The route leads past high galleries and intimate cabinets and through transparent passageways.
All galleries receive diffuse light from skylights. In the expressive masonry facades, playful brickwork alternates with copper surfaces that glisten in the sunlight.