
About the host
Rik Verhalle
Rik studied architecture and is a city guide in Eindhoven. Every month he shares a tip.
This tip from Rik is one that has changed shape many times over the years, but is now an international platform for design praised by many, like The New York Times. We are talking about Kazerne.
Rik starts with a little bit of history. This beautiful building on the Paradijslaan is a stone's throw from the city center and district De Bergen. Initially, the oldest part of the complex was a military police station in 1832. A strategical location, as in those days, the station was located just outside the city. If you look closely, you can still see traces of that period, such as the metal rings attached to the walls, which were used to tie horses' reins to them. The building has also served as a garbage truck stall, a fire station, and, in the 1980s, as a theatre. After that, it fell into disuse for quite some time.
Fast forward to 2014. After thorough renovation, Annemoon Geurts and Koen Rijnbeek opened restaurant and exhibition space Kazerne. Over the years, the rest of the site got renovated, and the renovation expanded the function of Kazerne. Nowadays there are two restaurants (Mediterranean and French), meeting rooms, a design hotel, and a design shop. You can choose from various collectibles in the shop, from small gifts to large objects. In the courtyard, you can relax on the terrace, one of Rik's favorite hangouts in the city.
In addition to the changing exhibitions, Kazerne regularly organizes other events. It is one of the standard must-sees during the annual Dutch Design Week. Eindhoven Innovation Café offers a platform where designers from Eindhoven and beyond have a place to discuss various themes related to design. Rik can go on and on, but one thing is sure: this place is a must-visit if you want to get to know Eindhoven as a city of design.