MBSB - museum Bruges

exhibition hall as an influential display and storage space, Bruges

An exhibition hall is not a museum; it is a display space with pragmatic flexibility. A machine that efficiently accommodates various exhibitions. An exhibition hall must serve the purpose of display, but each display is different. A space for large and small objects, a labyrinthine space, and a space with a comprehensive view.

This exhibition hall for Bruges aims to be an accessible place capable of welcoming large numbers of visitors while also offering intimacy to individual visitors. The exhibition hall is constructed as a building figure with three parallel bands. The display spaces are framed between a generous entrance on one side and efficient archive and storage spaces on the other. The display spaces themselves are designed as two large volumes with controlled natural light and a specific line of sight to the park and the forecourt. The entrance is designed as a park pavilion with extensive views of the park and in direct relation to the Groeningemuseum. It provides direct access to the exhibition halls, the group assembly space, the auditorium, and wardrobe facilities underground. This spacious entrance hosts the bookstore and ticket counter, offering the possibility to organize freely accessible exhibitions. On the other side of the exhibition halls are the storage, logistics spaces, workshops, and offices. By attaching this entire volume to the exhibition spaces, this building has a clear and compact layout with minimal internal circulation paths. The forecourt at Eekhoutgate not only serves as the group entrance but also provides easy access to this part of the building complex.