Graphic Design Museum

The Netherlands has many museums, but one for graphic design was lacking. The radical transformation of De Beyerd in Breda and the addition of a new building, have filled this gap. An art lending library had already been added to the gate house of this 17th-century hospital in 1991. Contemporary juxtaposed with centuries-old turned out to reinforce each other. Printed matter is vulnerable. Paper crumbles and ink fades when temperature, humidity and light are not stringently controlled. The best way to do this is in a new building, specifically designed for the purpose. Public spaces such as the entrance and restaurant, and also the offices, are housed in the historical monument. Workshops and museum store are located in the 15-year old annex that the art lending library vacated. The new wing replaces an addition from the 1930s and will contain the exhibition spaces. These rooms are grouped around an inner courtyard, with the auditorium underneath.