Monumental new entrance TivoliVredenburg in Utrecht opens 8 February

Renovated foyers, redesigned streets and new entrance open to public

Utrecht gains an extraordinary cultural meeting place. At Vredenburgplein, TivoliVredenburg will open its doors to the public every day. The renovated foyers, the redesigned streets and the new entrance together form an architectural tribute to architect Herman Herzberger. During the day, from now on, it will host almost daily free music programmes, a music library, exhibitions and small-scale events for and by the city.

After six months of breaking and building, architect Herman Hertzberger's monumental wing has been restored to its former glory. AHH, the Hertzberger's firm, designed the new facade and public entrance itself. The building has new transparent facades and the entrance on Vredenburgplein has been reopened. 

Renewed foyers

The foyers around the Great Hall have been transformed into atmospheric meeting places that Utrechters may use daily as free space. Hertzberger's special architecture has been re-emphasised: there are new bars, seating and lounging areas, the wooden floor is back, the lighting has been addressed and the logistics of the foyers have been greatly improved. The design was by the award-winning architectural collective deMunnik-deJong-Steinhauser, known among other things for the interior design of Forum Groningen.

The foyers will get another spectacular 'finishing touch': an elaborate textile artwork by designer Mae Engelgeer will be added in the coming months to warmly embrace visitors.

Area approach

The entrance at Vredenburgplein is part of an upgrading of the area around TivoliVredenburg. The municipality of Utrecht, TivoliVredenburg, Hoog Catharijne and local residents have worked together to make a busy area in the city centre more attractive. The Hollandse Toren and Vlaamse Toren, two important walking routes to and from the station and between Wijk C and the city centre, have been redesigned with greenery, light, art, heritage and space for encounters. Large planters and benches have been placed and, with the reinstatement of a piece of 12th-century monastery wall, one of the oldest relics of medieval Utrecht can once again be found at this spot.

Festive opening

On 8 February, it will be celebrated that the new entrance and foyer are largely finished. Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., the public is welcome. There will be performances on the new Vredenburg Open Stage, an exhibition on architect Herman Hertzberger to visit, guided tours and a sculpture route. From now on, the new entrance and foyer will be open to the public from Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm. People can view exhibitions and art, study, read or enjoy a cup of coffee or soup, for example. From the market on Vredenburgplein, you can now walk right in.

Donors

This renovation project was made possible by contributions from companies, donors, funds and the Municipality of Utrecht. Special thanks go to the visitors who made a donation when buying their ticket and all the people who contributed to the crowdfunding. Because of them, TivoliVredenburg and Utrecht have become even more beautiful.