Overloon War Museum

The War Museum in Overloon is located on a former battle field of World War II. The expansion of the 12.000m2 museum is deployed to create a stronger relationship between the collections inside and the history of the areas around. Felixx designed a green framework and various landscape rooms, to display and explain the history of wars. The 12ha park occupies an important position as a recreational destination within the region. The existing forest is gently restructured into multiple zones with a specific function. The entrance area is turned into a sculpture garden. Within an outdoor exposition, several objects are put on a pedestal to make to story of war tangible. A mace is created for the younger visitors, integrating an educational route to provide insight in the various reasons why wars have taken place and where they happened. An outdoor forest theater gives room for educational shows and temporary expositions. The climbing forest features play elements to entertain the adventurous minds. All interventions are combined, to blur the boundaries between museum and park, and create a hybrid experience. The backbone is a new bike path, literally routed through the museum over a custom-made bridge. This brings passers-by into the building, creating a unique experience and a strong cohesion between the park and museum.