The lecture focuses on a complex renovation project which encompasses a lot of changes and therefore requires a lot of adaptability. We try to accomplish this through sound project management of which the approach will be presented.
The Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (KMSKA) houses a collection of Fine Arts from the 15th to the 20th centuries. Since the museum's building dates back to 1890, we could no longer guarantee contemporary museum standards for climate, safety and temporary exhibitions. Major renovation works were long overdue and in 2003 a Masterplan was designed. An architectural competition was organized and the concept by the Dutch architects Claus and Kaan (now KAAN) was chosen. Their concept involves both the restoration of the historical museum building and the expansion of exhibition space through newly built elements within this existing building.
In the meantime, 15 years have elapsed since the competition. The implementation of the Masterplan appears to be very complex for various reasons. On the one hand due the complexity of the renovation itself, on the other hand due to the many administrative bodies which are involved in the project. The KMSKA is part of the Flemish Government (and is placed under the Ministry of Culture) and has been designated with the role of user and not of builder. The project is on its third Minister of Culture and the museum management has been completely renewed since its inception. This results in a different policy at different levels. During the course of the project there has been uncertainty and lack of clarity about budget, quality and progress. The closure of the museum as well as the reopening has been postponed several times. It also appears that the needs of a museum which is scheduled to open in 2020 are no longer the same as the needs described in 2003.
These constant changes and uncertainties have demanded great flexibility from the different departments within the museum. Over the years we have been looking for tools that can on the one hand ensure the maintenance of the necessary flexibility and on the other provide sufficient control. A sound project manager with associated in-depth project management turned out to be a workable solution.
