The Proefkolonie experience museum

Drenthe has a new museum: De Proefkolonie in Frederiksoord, about the origin of our welfare state. In this experience center you will learn everything about the history of the Colonies of Benevolence (nominated for the World Heritage List 2019) and their influence on our contemporary society.

In the fall of 2018, Heijmerink Wagemakers received the challenging design & build assignment from Stichting Koloniecentrum Frederiksoord to co-create with Studio Pronk, Shosho, IJsfontein, Rapenburg Plaza and the Huis van Weldadigheid team to develop and realize the experience. The job has now been done in rapid speed, with quality, within budget and in a very pleasant collaboration. The public has been welcome there since 1 May!

The Colonies of Benevolence were founded 200 years ago to combat poverty.

Through land reclamation and continuous improvements in agricultural methods, the poor were given the prospect of a better life. The Colonies were progressive in their social measures and completely self-sufficient, which was exceptional. They show the belief in the manufacturability of people and society. View the trailer here.

In Pronk’s design, the multimedia experience forms “De Proefkolonie; an experiment of charity’ the crowd puller, followed by the interactive post show ‘Well do then, Well do now’. Visitors experience what kindness is, why it was necessary and why it is still relevant. Museum De Proefkolonie is located in the Huis van Weldadigheid in Frederiksoord. The official, festive opening is planned for September.

CLIENT: Stichting Koloniecentrum Frederiksoord
SPATIAL DESIGN: Pronk
INTERACTIVES + GAMES: IJsfontein
VIDEO + ANIMATION: Shosho
LIGHT + AV HARDWARE: Rapenburg Plaza
EXHIBITION CONSTRUCTION: Hypsos
PROJECTMANAGEMENT, ENGINEERING EN REALISATION: Heijmerink Wagemakers
FOTOGRAPHY: Mike Bink