Twentse Twelle
9 oktober 2008
OPERA was commissioned to design the permanent installation and study centre for the new Museum TwentseWelle in Enschede.The project transforms the old Rozendaal textile factory and the immediate surrounding area into a new Museum – attraction complex. The centre consolidates three local museums (Museum Jannik, Van Deinse Institute and Natuurmuseum Enschede) allowing the historic collections to be housed, managed, studied and exhibited under one roof. The collections focus primarily on nature, technique, and local traditions, offering an extensive survey of the region, its inhabitants, traditions, and techniques from prehistoric time until present day. The collections work in an educational and recreational manner to inform and stimulate visitors regarding the history of the city and region.
Chronological time line The structure of the permanent installation in the new museum focuses on the interaction of nature and culture in the Twente region. The central story is told through a chronological panorama of various historical periods from the ice age to present day. Drawing from three collections the museum explains how the relationship between agricultural development, local customs and beliefs, industrialization and technological advances help to shape the Twente region.
Zones and themes In order to convey the interaction between nature and culture and the relationship between rural and urban environments, the exhibition is divided not only in time periods, which forms the main body of the exhibition running the length of the gallery, but also in four zones. Within these zones, themes are explored and visualized giving visitors a unique perspective on the history of region. Each theme is relevant to the time period wherein it fits and deals specifically with the developments of that particular period. The stories are told through objects as well as loose recreations such as a hunter and gather’s camp, a primitive dwelling, a landscape or a factory setting to name a few. A visitor can easily base a visit around these themes, leaving with a good understanding of the most important developments in the Twente history.
Contextual points Contextual points located within each zone helps to support the themes. These points illuminate the subject in greater detail through interpretation and background information. Important is that the contextualization connects the thematic perspective with daily life of a Twente inhabitant and his environment. Information is communicated through various means such as interactive programs, films, databases and period specific object installations.
Open Depot The contextual points form a bridge to the so named ‘open depot’. The depot, a large glass wall vitrine 110 metres long, runs the length of the exhibition space and offers visitors an extensive overview of the collection. Here more than 3.500 objects are grouped in clusters following the chronological installation of the exhibition. Clusters support each zone, theme and contextual points with objects that relate to that period. The depot offers visitors the opportunity to explore a particular theme more in depth and demonstrates the richness of the collection. It is called the data bank of Twente history
Diorama’s Opposite the depot, running the length of the exhibition space, visitors can find an assortment of diorama’s. The diorama’s further explain difficult concepts on a level suited for a twelve year old and hope to elicit an emotional response. The diorama’s are designed to be interactive engaging visitors of all ages.