GRONINGER MUSEUM

This museum is simply breathtaking! The building is a peninsula just a stone's throw from the central station. It was designed by Alessandro Mendini who entrusted the realization of the buildings to different architects. Philippe Stark is the author of the Chinese and Japanese porcelain pavilion. The Austrian architectural firm Coop Himmelb (l) au designed the colorful central building, the one that gives the museum its identity. Michele De Lucchi designed the building for the collections of the De Ploeg group, the artists' movement made in Groningen. The other buildings of the museum (the hall, the warehouse, the store, the café-restaurant, the library) are designed by Mendini. These different styles reflect the diversity of the exhibitions organized. From the outside, the hall is a tower covered with a golden layer topped by four peaks, from the inside, it is a symphony of color.

In the corridors, you think you are in Venice over the canals! One then enters a space devoted to church silverware, and the very old objects take on a new dimension in their innovative setting. The pavilion then presents the works of the "de Ploeg" movement. Philippe Starck makes the visit to the porcelain collection a playful moment. The space is a round room in which white curtains undulate, creating imaginary and flexible walls. The collection mixes old and new works, including a lovely plate by Jeff Koons.

The scenography of the collections is incredible. Our real favorite is the Himmelb (l) au pavilion. This creation illustrates the architectural trend called "deconstructivism" which aims to reverse all the traditions in architecture and traditional elements such as windows, doors, etc., which are dissociated from their traditional function. The result is a grandiose fin de siècle space where concrete, steel and glass dominate. This three-dimensional space is incredible and creates emotions. A metal footbridge allows to overcome the works presented. This museum is worth the trip for its building, its collections, but also its incredible scenographies. In this museum, every detail has been thought of and even a visit to the toilets is full of surprises. The restaurant of the museum is famous and its decoration with the red walls is superb. Check the website for exhibitions. The museum made the event by hosting the incredible David Bowie exhibition as well as the simply magical Chihuly exhibition.