The models are extremely rare: virtually no models made by Cuypers to present his designs to clients have survived.
These historic models are currently undergoing careful restoration at the Cuypershuis. The restoration, carried out by restorer Tim Schoenmakers, is in its final phase and will be completed in mid-May.
The Cuypershuis warmly invites the public to follow this final phase of the restoration up close. Normally, such a project takes place behind closed doors, but now visitors can watch the restoration live in the exhibition hall. In doing so, the Cuypershuis offers a unique opportunity to witness the restoration work by Tim Schoenmakers, who is present every Friday and Sunday to work on the models and tell visitors all about the restoration process.
“These models are not only artistic masterpieces but also valuable historical artifacts that represent an important part of our cultural heritage,” said Bernard Ellenbroek, executive director of the Cuypershuis. “We are delighted that we will soon be able to present these restored works to the public and invite everyone to come see the restoration up close in the exhibition hall.”
The Cuypershuis tells the story of architect and designer Pierre Cuypers, famous for his many creations, such as the Rijksmuseum and Amsterdam Central Station, De Haar Castle in Haarzuilens, the restored Munsterkerk in Roermond, and the renovated Binnenhof in The Hague. Many of his designs can also be found throughout the province of North Brabant.
At the Cuypershuis, visitors experience how he created his designs and promoted them with boundless enthusiasm and ambition. The former bustle of this unique building is both visible and palpable, making a visit to the Cuypershuis an unforgettable and inspiring experience for young and old alike. In addition to the permanent exhibition on the life and work of Pierre Cuypers, a temporary exhibition is held every six months that ties in with Cuypers’s working methods. The temporary exhibition “Onder de Wol – Christien Meindertsma” is on view through May 12. “Onder de Wol” invites visitors to discover the stories behind wool, surplus wool, and new ways of using it.
Photo by: Maartje van Berkel