The Maze

Space and perception

Thirteen Floating Display Cases

Van Diemen’s design consists of thirteen ‘floating’ glass and steel display cases of varying shapes and sizes, collectively encompassing over 400 cubic meters. These uniquely shaped cases offer 360-degree views of the objects inside, allowing visitors to examine the artworks from all angles. This transparency challenges the traditional way selections are made from the renowned collection, as each piece must be considered fully visible and in spatial context rather than in a conventional front-facing display. The result is a layered experience in which the objects form new connections depending on the viewer’s position.

Curated Dialogues Between Objects

Much of the arrangement inside the display cases was carefully composed by Van Diemen for the opening of the Depot in 2021. She arranged artworks and objects from the museum’s collection in ways that responded to the unique shapes and transparencies of her vitrines. Instead of grouping items by era, medium, or theme — as in a conventional exhibition — she created visual dialogues between seemingly unrelated objects, allowing color, form, texture, and other elements to spark unexpected connections. These thoughtful juxtapositions turn each case into a self-contained composition, while simultaneously contributing to the rhythm and spatial experience of The Maze.