On Monday 20 June the Depot of museum Boijmans van Beuningen opened exclusively for alumni of Erasmus University Rotterdam. This event, which is part of the Alumni+ event series, gave a backstage view of the most famous art storage of the Netherlands - and far beyond.
After our guests were welcomed on the depot's lobby, with its characteristic tube lighting and 'see-through' lockers, all attending EUR alumni put on a Boijmans white lab coat. A functional coat, which helps to prevent dust particles coming in the depot and being spread by visitors. Alumni were divided in small groups and were sent off with an experienced tour guide, ready to explore the different stories of the depot.
We were all blown away: the beautiful staircases, the architectural structure and glass showcases that showed art from all different sides. The tour guided us along multiple interesting places, including the storage department for glass and ceramics, the 'surgery room' for restoring paintings and a try-out for the first ever exposition in the 'new' Boijmans. Additionally, we got a look backstage, for example in one of the 'control rooms' for the ventilation and climate control.
When the tours were completed, our guests joined together in the Coert hall, where they were welcomed by our Director of Alumni Relations Sue Martin. She then introduced Cathy Jacob, Director of Exhibitions of Boijmans van Beuningen. Cathy, who is an EUR alumna, played a big part in designing and completing the depot. In her presentation she gives more information about the width of this project, but also about the history of the museum.
Before the bar opens, Sue Martin shortly explain the newly launchd Societal Impact Fund of Erasmus University Rotterdam. A portion of the ticket sales for this event will be invested in this fund, what makes the attending alumni 'launching donors' of the fund. For that, we are very grateful!
Finally, alumni can enjoy a drink and a snack and look back on their day - as well as meet other alumni from all over the world and with different study backgrounds. All while enjoying the skyline of Rotterdam from the beautiful roof terrace of the depot. Curious to see what this event was like? Watch the aftermovie below.
Watch the video:
