The Great Castle of Deurne was built in the 15th century by the Deurne family. This strategic access point to the Peel marshes expanded to become a centre of power in the first half of the 19th century. Unfortunately however, most of the castle was destroyed in a fire in 1944.
Having been left in ruins for half a century, the local authority of Deurne decided that the castle, the 17th century adjacent Dinghuis and the surrounding park should be transformed into a cultural complex with a museum, academy and education centre.
In Mecanoo’s design, the ruins remain with no particular tangible function, which strive to reinforce the architectural strength and cultural significance of the site. The ruins serve as a frame of reference to inspire artists and can be used as outdoor exhibition area.
The Dinghuis is restored and the old walls and roof construction are made visible. The new contemporary building for the De Wieger Museum is a sculptural volume, encased in an outer metal wall that is engraved with the 1850 map of the Deurne seigneury.
These three buildings, each with its own language, expression and biography, are linked together by a square made of wood.
The complex is set in a wetland, a shallow lake with wild grass, moss and several islands. It conveys an impression of the old quiet and spacious landscape of the Peel. In the design nature is an intrinsic part of the built form.