This plan, designed by the Dutch architect Hans van Heswijk, is a reconstruction of the historic building of the Amstelhof almshouse. In this complex, exhibitions have already been held since the spring of 2004, but now the internal space and, in part, the external appearance of the ensemble of the era of classicism, resembling a monastery in type, will radically change.
Along with the actual museum premises, 10,000 sq. m of usable area will be a Russian cultural center, a museum shop, a restaurant, a hall for lectures and concerts and an educational center.
The long corridors of the complex will be transformed into enfilades; in the shorter side buildings, two large exhibition halls will be arranged, covered with a box vault, in which large skylight windows will be cut through. A series of small rooms are planned around these halls, and together they will be used as independent compartments for exhibitions.
The main entrance will be located at the back of the building, opposite the façade overlooking the canal, which is typical of Amsterdam. Several large halls will appear there, serving as a lobby; from there the examination of the exposition will begin.
The restructuring, worth 39.5 million euros, will be completed in 2008.
