What was once a classic city square is today a vibrant meeting place where generations come together. We are proud to have created a play area in this unique location that truly is for everyone. The old playground didn’t offer enough challenge or accessibility for every child. But that has now changed. From the toddler just learning to walk, to the teenager perfecting tricks at the skate park next to the playground — every child finds their place here. Parents, grandparents, and carers watch, chat, or join in themselves. The new play area is designed for anyone who wants to move, learn, or connect — and that was immediately visible during the festive opening.
From city square to play square
Museumplein has always drawn people. Centuries ago, it was a wet meadow, later an exhibition ground, and eventually a large urban square between the Netherlands’ most famous museums. For years, it was mainly a space to pass through or to host events. Those days are gone. The square is alive. People play, exercise, laugh, and meet. With the new play area, Museumplein has become a genuine place for families from the city and far beyond to spend time.
A nod to the Concertgebouw
The play area reflects its surroundings, even in its design. The equipment has been shaped as musical instruments: a triangle, a double bass, a harp, a flute, a drum, and a musical stave. They reference the Concertgebouw, visible on the edge of the square. The instrument forms add play value but also hold visual meaning. Children can climb, balance, swing, or make music with them. At the same time, the objects fit seamlessly into the cultural landscape. The play area thus becomes a bridge between play and art, between movement and experience.
A space for play, discovery, and meeting
The layout of the play area responds to different ages, abilities, and ways of playing. Not by dividing the space into separate zones, but by creating one whole in which every child finds their own challenge — and every adult their place.
- Toddlers explore through play. They crawl, roll, feel the water, and climb carefully. Everything is easily accessible, with soft surfacing and clear sightlines for parents and carers.
- Older children look for challenge and variety. They climb nets, swing, slide, or play together with water. Each element stimulates movement, imagination, and cooperation.
- Teenagers move freely between the play area and the skate park. They meet, hang out, or join in. The design prevents conflict and allows space for individual use.
- Adults remain close by. They sit on the edges or at the terrace, guide their children, or join the play. Paths are flat, accessible, and logically arranged. Everyone can take part — actively or as an engaged spectator.
Space for risk and personal growth
Play is practice. A child hesitating at the fireman’s pole is developing more than just strength. They are learning to assess, decide, and persevere. The play area is designed to support that growth. Every route offers choices. Every piece of equipment allows for both success and challenge. A child who doesn’t climb today may just watch. When they return tomorrow, they might make it halfway. A month later, the same child may reach the top independently. Play becomes growth — without pressure, but full of challenge.
Playing together = living together
During the opening, we saw exactly what we aimed for:
– Children who had never met before playing together.
– A preschooler cautiously exploring the fireman’s pole while an older child demonstrated how to land safely.
– Two children meeting for the first time and within a minute climbing into the Drum together.
– Grandparents watching their grandchildren from the edge — while chatting with another parent.
– Parents on the terrace, coffee in hand, striking up conversations with other families.
The beginning of something lasting
The play area is open, but the real story is only just beginning. In the coming years, friendships will be formed here, boundaries will be pushed, and memories will be made. Children will return, daring a little more each time, moving more freely with every visit. This place gives the city something enduring: an environment where everyone feels welcome, every single day. Where play naturally leads to contact. And where meeting others becomes as natural as movement itself.
