Studio Modijefsky revives a historic Dordrecht arts hub

Photography: Maarten Willemstein

With multiple past lives as a convent, school, laboratory and a cinema, the De Witt had become known as a storied yet under loved building in the heart of Dordrecht, in the Netherlands. Introducing an elevated palette, bar and all-day brasserie to the three existing cinema screens onsite, the reimagined building makes the most of its location opposite the Kunstkerk (or ‘The Art Church’) to find new life as both a social and cultural hub for the local community.

Furthering this intimate connection to Dordrecht, Amsterdam design firm Studio Modijefsky formed its initial concept around ‘Dordtse kleuren’, the city’s official colour palette. As the first Netherlands city to adopt its own colours, this palette now serves as a symbol of civic pride as well as guiding the design vision for the new and improved De Witt, while more visual motifs from its bygone days as a convent and schoolhouse – such as frosted glass dividers, class benches and wimple-shaped window frames – are weaved throughout.

Reorienting the ground floor to face the square outside, the main brief for De Witt’s entranceway and the new bar and restaurant was to be more inviting both to cinema patrons and passers-by. Despite maintaining much of the existing building, the old façade was broken through and replaced with a new main entrance – designed by Lugten Malschaert Architects – to uncover old windows and create access to new ones, allowing more natural light to flood in through floor-to-ceiling glass. Internal walls and a lift were also removed to form the open-plan brasserie room, allowing clear sightlines throughout the space as well as enhancing the natural light.

Recalling vintage visions of the silver screen, the ticket booth is encased in full-length blue velvet curtains and joined by a wall emblazoned with movie posters. Restored vintage chairs in the restaurant are joined by bespoke tables and spherical pendant lights, while in smaller nooks of the brasserie, custom leather benches add a touch of drama in a bold shade of vermillion. These warm pops of colour continue throughout with orange chequerboard tiles and plush rust armchairs.  Each area of the brasserie is visually connected to another by hanging tubular lights in the shape of cloister arches, given extra depth by the aged brass mesh crowns above them and adding a final nod to the former convent.

Those in the mood for an evening tipple can head to the statement island bar, which was designed as an ‘ode to cinema and the performing arts’. A stage with a three-layered velvet curtain serves delicious cocktails under a spotlight, while also offering guests direct access to the terrace lounge outside. Delving into detailed touches, Studio Modijesfsky weaved this curtain motif into the bar itself, with soft undulating waves carved into the dark oak and topped with zinc for a sleek finish. Ascending two staircases lined with posters, visitors can also find an event space, film lounge, ticket desk and a balcony overlooking the wildflower garden, cementing De Witt’s status as a chic, multi-purpose hub for film, food or a cup of coffee.