Reisgids Zuiderzeemuseum

The Zuiderzeemuseum brings the history of life around the former Zuiderzee between 1880 and 1930 vividly to life. Since 1983, the open air museum has been preserving the region’s heritage through more than 140 historic buildings relocated from villages surrounding the former inland sea. Walking through its cobbled streets, harbors, workshops, and fishermen's houses feels like stepping into another era. To accompany this immersive experience, a new museum guide was created that brings together the stories of both the indoor and outdoor museum in one publication.
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Design & Illustrations
Dana Dijkgraaf
Editor
Maja Berkhout, Femke van Drongelen, André Groeneveld, Nienke de Wit, Teksten voor Musea (Norma de Goederen en Annemieke Schors Aafke Boerma)
Printer
Rijser Studio-Print-Druk

Concept
Inspired by the idea that a visit to the Zuiderzeemuseum is a journey through time, we designed the publication as a contemporary travel guide with a playful twist. Visitors are invited to explore both the indoor museum and the outdoor village at their own pace. Maps, stories about historic buildings, museum objects, and their former inhabitants guide readers through the museum, encouraging curiosity and discovery.

What did we create?
Developed in close collaboration with editor and curator André Groeneveld, the publication creates an ongoing dialogue between past and present. Historical photographs are paired with contemporary images, revealing how buildings, crafts, and traditions continue to live on within the museum. Authentic postcards are woven throughout the guide, strengthening the feeling of travelling through the former Zuiderzee region.

The publication was designed to resemble a classic travel guide, complete with an index and a tab system for intuitive navigation. Its layout balances in depth stories with shorter texts and strong visual elements, making it accessible to a wide audience. The typography follows the museum’s visual identity, while the cover and chapter openings take inspiration from the design language of vintage postcards.

Sparkles
The guide is finished with a striking neon yellow thread binding and printed with a fresh sea green Pantone ink. These contemporary details add a playful and unexpected character, creating a vibrant contrast with the historical subject matter. The result is a publication that not only informs but also captures the excitement of travelling through the rich history of the Zuiderzee region.

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