Museum Paleis Het Loo by KAAN Architecten – A Contemporary Underground Extension Beneath Baroque Grandeur

In 2023, KAAN Architecten completed the ambitious renovation and extension of Museum Paleis Het Loo in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands. Originally built in 1686 as a royal hunting palace for King William III and Queen Mary, Paleis Het Loo is one of the country’s most visited museums, celebrated for its baroque architecture and historic gardens. The recent transformation blends architectural heritage with modern functionality, ensuring that the palace continues to serve as a cultural landmark for future generations.

A Seamless Underground Expansion

The extension of over 5,000 m² is ingeniously placed underground, preserving the palace’s baroque silhouette and historic setting. Inspired by the site’s historic connection to landscape and water, the architects integrated new water features as architectural elements, allowing light to filter dramatically into subterranean spaces. This design strategy respects the palace’s baroque order while adding a 21st-century layer of innovation.

The Bassecour – From Courtyard to Reflective Roof

At the heart of the transformation lies the Bassecour, once a grassy forecourt for horses. Today, it has been reimagined as a central gathering space with a fountain and four shallow glass ponds. These reflective water surfaces echo the palace’s monumental architecture while serving as a roof for the underground extension, channeling daylight into the Grand Foyer below.

The Grand Foyer – A New Cultural Axis

Descending into the underground levels, visitors encounter the Grand Foyer, a light-filled central hub that links the old and new sections of the palace. Directly beneath the fountain, a wind rose marks the spatial core, guiding guests toward temporary exhibition halls, the House of Orange permanent exhibition, or the Junior Palace children’s museum. High ceilings, marble finishes, and walnut details create an atmosphere of both monumentality and intimacy, staying true to the palace’s historical grandeur.

Respecting and Restoring Heritage

Alongside the extension, Paleis Het Loo underwent a meticulous restoration. Climate systems, visitor amenities, and exhibition facilities were upgraded, while the historic wings were reprogrammed with new galleries. A new staircase to the Corps de Logis roof offers panoramic views of the gardens and palace grounds, enriching the visitor experience. The old ballroom, once a space of royal festivities, has been reborn as a restaurant with interiors echoing the ornate tapestries and metallic shimmer of baroque halls.

Materiality and Craftsmanship

Prof. Dikkie Scipio of KAAN Architecten emphasizes that architecture at Paleis Het Loo is not only about visual impact but also tactile experience. Finely crafted marble floors, walnut doors patterned with orange blossom motifs, and shimmering wall fabrics create a layered sensory journey. The design merges restraint with opulence, ensuring that the extension complements rather than overshadows the palace.

A New Chapter for a Historic Landmark

With its underground expansion, restored palace interiors, and enhanced visitor facilities, Paleis Het Loo now embodies the dialogue between past and present. The project demonstrates how architectural heritage can be preserved while adapting to contemporary cultural needs, ensuring that one of the Netherlands’ most iconic palaces continues to inspire, educate, and captivate audiences worldwide.

All Photographs are works of Simon Menges, Sebastian van Damme