APELDOORN.- The final design of KAAN Architecten for the ‘new’ Paleis Het Loo was presented in early March. The major project will start in 2018, and the renewed and renovated Paleis Het Loo will be completed by mid 2021.

An important part of the project, and also the main reason for it, is the renovation. It includes a major asbestos removal and a replacement of technical and climate installations.

Underground expansion
While this maintenance is being carried out, an underground expansion will be implemented under the front courtyard, the Bassecour. This expansion will allow Paleis Het Loo to create a spacious entrance with additional facilities for the public and room for both the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions.

From grass to glass
The eye-catchers in the design are the four glass parterres in the front courtyard: a thin layer of water will flow over the glass – a nod to the fountains and waterworks of the historic gardens. The combination of glass and water creates a unique incidence of lighting in the underground expansion and will prove an iconic addition to Paleis Het Loo.

Junior Palace and House of Orange
The current West Wing will become the home of a special area for children: the Junior Palace. The East Wing will become the House of Orange, with background information on the history of the royal house. A number of residential rooms in the palace will also be arranged differently. From 2021, visitors will enter the palace by the Grand Staircase, just as the former royal residents did. Several rooms in the servants quarters will be furnished and opened for the first time.

‘OPEN, JUST NOT AS USUAL’
During the renovation, the gardens, stables and the museum restaurants will remain open to the public from April to September and in the weeks around Christmas. The main building will be closed from 8 January 2018. The opening of the new Paleis Het Loo is planned for mid 2021.