Visual communication
In The Palace of Typographic Masonry designer Richard Niessen collects objects characteristic of visual communication. From signs to ornaments, from methods and techniques to the history and practice of graphic design.
“Out of fascination with graphic culture, I have created an imaginary Palace of Typographic Masonry. With this I want to capture all forms of visual communication through the ages. From the use of symbols to the invention of writing.”– Richard Niessen
Visual language under scrutiny
The Palace of Typographic Masonry gives insight to the imagination of graphic designers. The exhibition covers nine themes: Sign, Symbol, Ornament, Construction, Poetry, Play, Order, Craft and Practice.
Over 170 objects are presented in an imaginative way. The location, the Grote Kerk in Breda, plays an important role in this. The Grote Kerk in Breda is a typical example of a spatial icon, filled with signs and symbols. This special environment provides a reinforcing context, just as the exhibition helps to better understand the signs and symbols in the church.
Pop up museum
To make the collection accessible to everyone, we have developed a pop-up museum together with Richard Niessen, with an accompanying personal audio guide.
The exhibition includes work by well-known Dutch designers such as Karel Martens, Hansje van Halem, Wim Crouwel, Harmen Liemburg, Experimental Jetset, Thonik, Moniker and Irma Boom. Designers Ott Metusala (EE), Farah Fayyed (LB), William Jacobson (SE), Edgar Walthert (CH), Benjamin McMillan (UK) and Åbäke (UK) also created new work.
Tours, talks and more…
In addition to the exhibition, there are various activities. On Sundays you can discover the Palace during a guided tour.
The depot of the Palace will also be accessible on June 3rd &4th. See over 50 works that can not be seen on other days.
Learn more about the designers from the exhibition during the Paleis Talks on 26 May, 2 June and 9 June.
Education
All young people are makers and users of visual communication. Our educational program promotes visual literacy through 21st century skills. There is an extensive offer for schools.