A book could be written about the history and the renovation of more than 15 million euros of the city hall in Groningen. And it turns out, a book with more than 250 pages will be published on June 17. Here are five notable things.
1. The predecessor was even more durable
Despite the fact that the town hall enjoys an A+++ energy label after the renovation, it cannot yet call itself the winner in terms of lifespan.
On the facade of the town hall, the completion year is displayed in golden letters MDCCCX, or 1810. The building has therefore been on the Grote Markt for 213 years. But its predecessor dates from the fourteenth century. In short, the current town hall has to last at least another 150 years to surpass its predecessor.
2. The town hall is the result of the first competition design ever
In 1870, the mayor wanted the country’s first neoclassical building in Groningen, so he organized a competition. This method of commissioning was the first of its kind.
3. Council chamber in the attic
The growing municipality means more council members, so also more seats in the council chamber. It turned out to be an impossible task to house the council in the same place. A controversial solution followed: raising the council chamber to the attic.
4. New makes way for old
The town hall had to be restored to all its glory. Over time, various adjustments have been made, for example the installation of a system ceiling and technical installations. The result was a mixed bag.
By returning the building to the original neoclassical plan, it had to become a whole again. More modern works no longer fit the town hall, Rudi van de Wint’s artwork is now ‘hidden’. Older elements, such as the authentic ‘fake marble’ pilasters, returned.
5. Lost the safe code during the renovation
Valuables, such as the Golden Book with names of honorary citizens, found a place in the safe during the renovation. But the safe code gets lost. Consequence? An empty display case in the Oude Raadzaal. After cracking the safe, the book was returned to its familiar place
Stadhuis Groningen – Constantly up to date tells the story and the renewal of the town hall in five chapters. The book will appear in bookstores on June 17 and costs 24.95 euros.
Not quite finished yet
A few more issues will be addressed in the coming period. Among other things, the seats of the benches in the back of the council chamber, which are uncomfortable. The revealed old floor in the wedding hall did not improve the acoustics of the room. This will also be solved, until then a carpet will cover part of the floor.