Wunderkammer of Truth
GUM
Ghent University Museum / March 2024
For Wunderkammer of Truth we translated scenographer Roel Van Berckelaer’s original wooden design into a sustainable, lightweight construction using cardboard as the primary material.
In collaboration with Onbetaalbaar_gent, we reinterpreted the existing construction plans, originally conceived for timber, into a modular system combining eco friendly materials.
The exhibition questions what is true and what is not. This narrative made the material choice even more meaningful. What appears to be traditional wood is in fact carefully crafted brown cardboard, a subtle yet powerful reflection of the exhibition’s theme.
https://www.gum.gent/en/event/wunderkammer-of-truth
Layout of the room
To preserve the atmosphere of traditional museum cabinets, we used naturally coloured Re board panels combined with natural cork and redwood accents, creating a warm and authentic expression while staying true to the material’s natural character.
The space is divided into a sequence of rooms using freestanding cardboard partition walls. These walls incorporate doors, windows and integrated display elements, allowing artworks to be seamlessly showcased within the architectural structure itself.
Details and finishing
The window frames were detailed with wooden slats and natural cork, adding richness. Cork accents were repeated throughout the paneling, creating a cohesive visual language across the exhibition.
To enhance visitor engagement, selected window openings were designed to integrate screens and headphones. These multimedia elements allow visitors to discover more information about each iteam while moving through the different rooms.
Buildup
The spatial layout was built from a system of vertical pillars connected by double panels, forming a stable yet modular base structure designed for reuse.
Together with a dedicated assembly team, shelves, columns, vitrines and wooden structures were carefully integrated and finished with precision. The project became a true collaboration, where craftsmanship and attention to detail were essential.
It was the exceptional care and scenographic sensitivity of Onbetaalbaar that elevated the installation, making it feel like an authentic set design rather than a temporary exhibition build. What is really truth!
Special thanks to : GUM Gent, Onbetaalbaar, Printville
