Contributing to the Renovation of the miffy Museum

Recently, the miffy museum in Utrecht has reopened its doors to the public. Working closely with renowned architectural firm Soda, which designed both the renovation and extension of the museum, Hunter Douglas Architectural supplied a custom solid wood linear ceiling and wall solution, totalling 680 m², that perfectly complements the museum’s modern yet playful aesthetic.

Renovation and extension

The renovation and extension of the museum, which nearly doubled the space, was essential to accommodate the growing number of visitors, allowing more room for exploration, learning, and discovery. The extension of new facilities, including a museum café and themed areas, bring the museum’s total surface area to approximately 1,500 m². In addition to new spaces, the existing rooms were fully renovated, making the museum more inclusive and accessible and ensuring it welcomes a diverse audience.

Solution

The custom Solid Wood Linear system supplied by Hunter Douglas Architectural is red oak (15×90 with 105 mm modulation), covering 463 m² of ceiling space and 215 m² of walls. This elegant and versatile wood solution was applied to flat and sloped ceilings throughout the museum, creating a warm, natural ambiance that enhances the overall visitor experience. The precision and quality of the product allowed for seamless integration into the unique architectural design of Soda.

Visually appealing and functional

“The solid wood linear system was the ideal choice for this project, offering both aesthetic beauty and practical functionality,” said Peter van Laar, General Manager at Derako®, the brand for all wood solutions within Hunter Douglas Architectural. “It brings warmth to the museum’s contemporary design while meeting the standards of both the architect and the client. We are thrilled to have played a role in this renovation, contributing to a museum with so much cultural significance.”

A seamless blend of old and new

Soda, the architects behind the renovation, maintained a careful balance between modernising the museum and preserving its familiar charm. As the museum grows, it retains elements of the original design that regular visitors will recognise while offering expanded spaces that accommodate up to 205,000 visitors annually.