Sow to Grow, the only museum in the world about seed breeding, is in the middle of a major renovation to better serve the public. The building on Westerstraat in Enkhuizen is being reorganized and the smallest details have been taken into account. Even the paint colors on the wall were not chosen by chance.
Museum Sow to Grow in Enkhuizen is undergoing renovation – NH News
For a few years now, the museum has been in the former orphanage to tell the story of seed distribution. “Many people have no idea why the West Frisian seed breeding industry is famous worldwide. It is very difficult for seed companies to reach consumers, but we can do that. So we tell the story on behalf of the sector,” says the chairman of the foundation. Henk van Wielink.
The museum, which runs on volunteers, would like to further professionalize. “We want to tell the story much more from the end product. From the vegetables on your plate to the flowers on your table. That’s why we had to tackle the route through the building.”
We also did not like the light from outside, and the somewhat clinical fluorescent lighting in the rooms. And so there will be panels for the windows. Special spotlights, as well as several screens, were acquired through an auction from the contents of a bankrupt museum.
“That gives a much warmer light. And with the screens we can also do much more visually. Including short videos to provide explanations,” says Van Wielink. Because the museum had to be empty, the white walls were also taken care of with photo wallpaper and special paint colors.
Special paint colors for the walls
“These come from the color range of the Rijksmuseum. Calm colors, which have been specially developed for a better museum experience. We have red, beige, terra and dark green on the walls, which fits with our theme as a museum.”
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Renovation at the Sow to Grow museum
Renovation at the Sow to Grow museum
Renovation at the Sow to Grow museum
Renovation at the Sow to Grow museum
Renovation at the Sow to Grow museum
Apart from the painting and specialized connections, everything is done by volunteers. “We are very proud of how it will look.” The renovation should give the museum a new impetus, Henk van Wielink explains. “We already had a lot of visitors through word of mouth. But ultimately we need to gain more fame. And the more professional it is in here, the easier it will be.”
The museum also focuses on more education for children. “The companies are eager for people. So this is also a good way to get them interested in the sector.” In addition, Sow tot Grow is also increasingly becoming a knowledge center. For example, courses are given to employees of seed breeding companies, where they are given an explanation about the seed breeding process.”
Will everything be ready on time?
It sounds great, but in the meantime the reopening of the museum is rapidly approaching. The first school classes are expected next Wednesday, while the renovation is still anything but finished. “We are working very hard, but it will turn out well. Maybe not all the i’s have been done yet.”
The official reopening is scheduled for April.