The Municipality of Zutphen has officially presented Mecanoo’s design for the transformation of Theatre Hanzehof & Buitensociëteit into Hanzehuis – an all-sided, inclusive, and vibrant cultural hub that brings together creativity, connection and community. Commissioned by the Municipality of Zutphen in collaboration with Hanzehof, de Muzehof, and BIJ de Bieb, the design reimagines the site as a welcoming destination in a lush, park-like setting. Hanzehuis preserves the main theatre hall and the iconic 1891 Buitensociëteit while introducing a sustainable timber volume with a theatre hall, music and dance studios, a café, and flexible spaces.
These spaces include areas for study, work, learning, and leisure. At its core is ‘De Straat (The Street)’ – a transparent connective interior linking all programmatic zones while framing views of the park and historic structures. From children's theatre to pop concerts, workshops to spontaneous encounters, Hanzehuis is a place where Zutphen’s past and future meet – not just a venue, but a living room for the city and region, rooted in sustainability and social engagement.