A journey through trust and fairness
Tax & Customs Museum
Client
Belastingdienst
Concept & Design
Tjep.
Design Team
Frank Tjepkema, Leonie Janssen, Yannic Alidarso
Architect
Broekbakema
Project management
Bent Projects
Lighting
Rapenburg Plaza
Size
300m2
Production
Interior by Keijsers, Specials by Van Krieken Engineering
Year
2012
Tjep. revitalized the Belasting & Douane Museum in Rotterdam with a captivating permanent exhibition, unveiled in July 2012. In collaboration with Studio Louter, Tjep. reimagined the interior design and visitor experience, centering on the themes of trust and fairness in the Dutch tax system. This interactive journey places the taxpayer at its heart, encouraging active participation that enriches the experience for all.
A listening ear
Highlights include Tjep.'s innovative installations: the Listening Ear, where visitors voice opinions on taxes via a giant blue ear, recorded for future guests; the Mechanical Tax Heart, a perpetual clockwork marvel simulating lifetime tax contributions; the Magic Ceiling, offering eternal projection of visitors' faces amid angelic frames; the intimate Tenth Penny Theatre, delivering personalized audio-visual stories; and the playful Customs Make Space for children. The Tax Avoiders exhibit features layered glass silhouettes with embedded interactive displays, bringing real-life stories to vivid 3D life.
Overcoming people’s preconceptions about the tax system was a core consideration. We wanted people to literally speak their mind and enter the exhibition open-minded.
—Leonie Janssen, Senior Designer at Tjep.
Frank Tjepkema emphasizes: “Attention to detail is essential—from each display case to the grand narrative. We designed every element to foster intuitive exploration.”
This project turns a historical mansion into an engaging, visitor-centric space, blending education with interactivity while preserving its oak floors and cultural essence.