Stedelijk Museum Schiedam

The transformation of the entrance of the Stedelijk Museum Schiedam demonstrates how contemporary architecture can respectfully intervene within a historic monument. Located in the former Sint Jacobs Gasthuis in the historic centre of Schiedam, the museum occupies a building with a rich history, including the neoclassical Giudici chapel from 1787. MVRDV transformed this neglected central space into a welcoming entrance area containing a reception desk, museum shop, café, and exhibition-related functions.

The central design gesture is a large, bright red “shelf” that wraps through the chapel and integrates all new programme elements into one architectural intervention. Instead of dividing the historic space, the shelf preserves the openness and grandeur of the chapel while introducing the facilities required for a contemporary museum experience. The bold red colour creates a strong contrast with the chapel’s sober historic interior, making the distinction between old and new immediately visible.

Because the Giudici chapel is a protected monument, the existing structure could not be altered. MVRDV developed a lightweight and reversible construction made from MDF panels, allowing the intervention to be removed without leaving permanent traces. The shelf carefully navigates around existing architectural elements such as columns, windows, and the organ, framing these historic features while adding new functionality.

Beyond its functional role, the intervention improves the spatial qualities of the chapel. The shelves contribute to better acoustics, integrate lighting, and create display areas for artworks and products. Through a single clear architectural gesture, MVRDV combines entrance, hospitality, retail, and exhibition functions while maintaining the character and integrity of the historic space.

The project represents MVRDV’s approach to adaptive reuse: rather than imitating the past, the design introduces a contemporary layer that enhances the existing architecture. The result is a dialogue between heritage and modern museum culture, where the intervention strengthens the identity of the building while giving the historic chapel a renewed public role.