12.07.2023

During the grand opening of the Freedom Museum in Groesbeek on July 5, excitement filled the air. Together with Minister Liminski for European Affairs of North Rhine-Westphalia, Prime Minister Mark Rutte performed the official opening ceremony. The museum finds its home in a Shaded Dome, an innovation by Shaded Dome Technologies, founded by the architectural studio ZJA, Royal HaskoningDHV, and Polyned.

Celebrating Architecture and Freedom

Wiel Lenders, director of the Freedom Museum Groesbeek, stated, "The Freedom Museum is a place where freedom comes to life, taking visitors on an inspiring journey through the history of war and liberation. We invite visitors to experience the unique architecture and meaningful appearance of the building and to critically reflect on freedom past and present."

A Museum with a Shaded Dome as its Roof

Amidst the green hills of Groesbeek, the imposing white dome of the new Freedom Museum Groesbeek rises. The museum takes the form of a gigantic parachute that seems to have landed in the landscape, a reference to the thousands of parachutes that filled the sky during the liberation of the Reich of Nijmegen in September 1944. With its Shaded Dome as the roof, the building harmoniously blends into the hilly landscape while standing out as a recognizable focal point.

Rob Torsing, architect partner at ZJA, said, "The official opening of the museum marks the completion of a unique project. The Shaded Dome combines innovation and sustainability in a remarkable way, contributing to the distinctive architecture and appearance of the Freedom Museum Groesbeek."

A Sustainable and Flexible Building with an Optimal Indoor Climate

The innovative construction concept consists of a pressure-supported dome, a network of steel cables, and a covering made of advanced textiles. With a height of nearly 12 meters at its highest point and a clear span of 60 meters, the Shaded Dome provides versatile and flexible space. This allows the museum's areas, including the reception hall, restaurant, and exhibition spaces, to be easily and cost-effectively adapted and redesigned, offering visitors a unique experience each time.

Kay Oosterman, architect partner at ZJA, explained, "The Freedom Museum Groesbeek is an extremely sustainable building with an optimal indoor climate, even during extreme weather conditions. Additionally, the Shaded Dome efficiently utilizes materials and techniques."

The museum has been open to the public since September 2019, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the official opening was delayed for over three years.