Droomsporen – A Living Ceiling for the Future of Rail
For the 150th anniversary of the Maliebaanstation—the beating heart of the Dutch Railway Museum in Utrecht—we transformed history into an experience. In close collaboration with Mr.Beam and restoration architect Leo Wevers and Rene van der Weijden from restaurant Hemel & Aarde, Dutch Matters produced Droomsporen: a poetic videomapping on the monumental station ceiling that reawakens the stories hidden beneath layers of paint.
While the original murals had long faded from public view, projection technology brought them back to life without disturbing the historic paintwork. The result is a continuous audiovisual installation open to all—free to visit and visible day and night—making the museum a destination even outside of opening hours.
Droomsporen premiered during a special stakeholders’ event hosted by the museum, signaling the start of its major renewal campaign leading up to its 100th anniversary in 2027. Dutch Matters curated the experience: from scenographic concept and hospitality to guest programming and execution.
Together with the HKU (University of the Arts Utrecht), the project will evolve in the coming years through contributions by emerging talent—ensuring the installation continues to grow as a living canvas for future narratives.