Floriade’s former Greenhouse finds new life as a music hall

Greenhouse constructing company Reytec from Honselersdijk is currently completing the dismantling of Floriade’s former giant Greenhouse. It will relocate to Barneveld, where the event organiser and convention centre, Midden Nederland Hallen, will rebuild it as a theatre, knowledge centre and reception area.

The structure during Floriade was known as The Greenhouse; it was installed in the winter of 2021 on Floriade’s grounds, not far from the Expo Park’s Weerwater entrance.

While some former Floriade pavilions, buildings, and building materials were granted an afterlife, the fate of the Expo’s gargantuan Greenhouse was still unknown until last February when Floriade, the new owner and Reytec reached an agreement.

As we speak, nearly the entire Greenhouse has been dismantled, spanning more than one hectare and a length of 170 metres. It will be stored over the summer and rebuilt at a prominent location on the grounds of Midden Nederland Hallen in early autumn. The Greenhouse will serve as a foyer for the musical 40-45 by Studio 100, which will premiere in 2024.

Initially built by Bom Group, the Greenhouse was the Floriade’s largest exhibit. In May 2021, V8 Architects and Bom Group revealed the winning design for Floriade’s greenhouse complex. It represented a significant architectural addition to the world horticultural exhibition and reflected the Expo’s commitment to sustainability.

At the time of Floriade, the building included five sections: a reception area, a hi-tech greenhouse,  an ‘experience greenhouse’, a technology and innovation centre and a restaurant.

The structure’s design is striking, inspired by the Crystal Palace, built in London in 1851. Different types of glass and mirrors are used in the Greenhouse.

For six months, from 14 April 2022 until 9 October 2022, the Green House was home to 13 alternating indoor flower and plant shows.

The venue also provided a colourful backdrop for many Best in (Green House) Show Awards, recognising and promoting the best in ornamentals produced by Dutch growers and their counterparts abroad.