A structural solution for exhibitions
The Beurs van Berlage is a vibrant meeting place in the heart of Amsterdam. In addition to restaurants, shops, offices, and escape rooms, the historic building offers various spaces for events and exhibitions. We speak with Marc de Winter, operations manager at the Beurs van Berlage, responsible for all operational matters related to events, catering facilities, and exhibitions.
Accessible to the public
The Beurs van Berlage is a beautiful national monument in the historic center of Amsterdam, with a total area of 16,000m2. About twelve years ago, the Beurs changed from a foundation into a commercial institution. Marc: “Our main goal is to make the historic building accessible to the public. We do this, among other things, by providing space for catering facilities and renting out office spaces. But also by hosting various events and exhibitions.”
A few years ago, the basement of the Beurs van Berlage was completely renovated. Two beautiful exhibition spaces were created: Expo Zuid and Expo Noord. Marc: “We can use both spaces separately for individual exhibitions. But we can also connect them to create one large space for bigger exhibitions.”
Outstanding exhibitions
High-Quality Exhibitions
Until early 2020, the Beurs was primarily focused on business events and conferences. However, during the Corona crisis, that demand largely disappeared. “As a result of the Covid crisis, the Beurs van Berlage, like many other companies, has been closed for a long time. We considered how we could best open the building to the private market as soon as it was possible again. This led us to connect with various parties that could also provide high-quality exhibitions in our exhibition spaces during Corona times.”
Quick & Efficient Setup of Exhibitions
To be able to set up and dismantle these exhibitions quickly and efficiently without damaging the walls, Marc sought a specialist in hanging systems: “We were dealing with a lot of uncertainty. We didn’t know when we would be allowed to open again, nor when we could start setting up. When that opportunity finally arose, the connection with Artiteq was quickly established. We had pleasant contact with the account manager and received a sharp quote. Moreover, they were fortunately able to switch very quickly.”
Within two weeks, the Click Rail Pro system was installed in both exhibition spaces. Marc: “The installation went as planned. To hang the rails, drilling was necessary, which causes noise disturbance. There had to be space for that in our planning. Artiteq was flexible in that regard. The installers worked for two days, outside of our scheduled events.”
Plug & play
Plug & play
In both exhibition spaces, the Click Rail Pro system is installed, which has a maximum load capacity of 50 kilograms per meter. Heavier artworks can also be safely hung on this. Marc: “We chose this system because of its sturdiness and the speed with which an exhibition can be set up. It is very simple, truly plug & play. The rail is white and has a nice finish. This fits well with the walls in our exhibition spaces and with what we want to convey.”
Structural & sustainable solution
The first exhibitions with the new hanging system are now behind us. Marc: “We are very satisfied and the exhibition holders are happy with it too. Soon we will transition from the two current exhibitions we have to one large one. We have five days to dismantle the old exhibitions and set up the new ones.
Previously, we had to repair holes in the walls, paint, and re-drill. This not only takes a lot of time, but it also causes inconvenience. Now the switching is much simpler. And ultimately, that is also why we opted for a more structural and sustainable solution: we can now switch much faster and more efficiently.”
