Huis Bergh fully reopened from 19 September
After almost three years, the restoration and refurbishment of Huis Bergh will be completed in September. Guests will be welcomed into the restored and refurbished castle from Saturday, 19 September.
In the run-up to the official reopening, a special 100-day ‘countdown programme’ will run from 11 June to 19 September. All s-Heerenberg residents will be personally invited to attend a sneak preview in July. The idea builds on the success of last year’s tours, which were almost always fully booked. In August, the castle tower will be opened temporarily with a special children's programme.
The castle was temporarily closed due to foundation subsidence. An extensive restoration project has been carried out over the last three years, reinforcing the foundation and renovating the entire building, including the restoration and painting of more than 220 heritage shutters. The addition of a new lift greatly has increased the building’s accessibility for people with reduced mobility. A carefully designed sustainability plan aims for a 70% reduction in gas consumption. Part of this involves insulating the castle with recycled jeans. A highlight of the sustainability work was the installation of two heat pumps on the castle roof using a helicopter.
New vision
Huis Bergh has developed a new vision for the castle's interior, with a more logical visitor route and a new balance between displaying art and telling stories. Visits will soon begin with a film and a scale model in the basement. The ground floor is dedicated to the founder of the Huis Bergh Foundation, Jan Herman van Heek, and his art collection. The first floor will feature a new presentation about the castle’s residents and their relationship with the town. The exhibition from the City Museum will be integrated in three new rooms, ensuring that the story of the castle town of ’s-Heerenberg is also told. The tower will focus primarily on young visitors. A new game is being developed for them in the high tower room, showing what it was like to live in a castle 500 years ago.
“What started with subsidence in the cellar has turned into a project for the entire city. We’re not finished yet, but we plan to reveal the new castle over 100 days.
