The Middle Ages in fragments
Geldersch Landschap en Kasteelen, Ammerzoden (NL), 2026
At Ammersoyen Castle, visitors follow a ‘Brave Byways’ through a trail of ancient shards, discovering a more honest picture of the late middle ages.
A fresh perspective on the castle
‘How can Ammersoyen Castle differentiate itself from other castles?’ This was the central question when Studio Louter was approached by Geldersch Landschap en Kasteelen (GLK). During a Pressure Cooker Session, we worked together to develop the concept, ‘The Middle Ages in fragments’, offering a fresh way to tell the story of both the castle and the medieval period.
A past in shards
At the heart of the concept is the remarkable collection of shards discovered in the castle moat. These shards set Ammersoyen Castle apart from other castles and symbolise the way we understand the Middle Ages: as a picture pieced together from fragments of research and information. New archaeological discoveries and insights add to this picture, sometimes challenging long-held ideas about medieval life. We developed this concept into a successful bidbook to secure funding.
Brave wandering routes
Making the medieval building with its steep staircases and narrow passageways, accessible to visitors presented a challenge. We found the solution in an exploratory journey featuring ‘Brave Byways’. These routes lead visitors through evocative spaces that immerse them in the Middle Ages, interspersed with museum spaces where archaeological shards offer surprising perspectives on the period. For example: one shard, shaped like a woman’s head, challenges the cliché of medieval women quietly sitting and embroidering. Visitors discover that many women earned and managed their own money.
Investigating for yourself
Children aged 7 to 12 can explore the Middle Ages in a playful, hands-on way too. They can smell ingredients in the brewing cellar, dress up as knights or colour in their own version of the Middle Ages. In the shard lab, children step into the shoes of an archaeologist piecing together real archaeological fragments. Throughout the castle, small knight figures pop up to reveal secrets about easily overlooked nooks and details. The same idea runs throughout the experience: fragments, research and insights help us build a fuller and more realistic picture of the Middle Ages.
Photos by Levin den Boer
‘At Ammersoyen Castle, everything comes together (…). A journey of discovery through this medieval castle is adventurous, playful, colourful and enriching.’
Marieke Knuijt, Curator Geldersch Landschap & Kasteelen, De Erfgoedstem — April 2026
Credits
Client
Gelders Landschap en KastelenContent Design
Studio LouterSpatial Design
Even MoreGraphic Design
Type 3 OntwerpFilm Production
ShoshoSound Design
Klevr SounddesignMedia Production
MotokoConstruction
FlinkLighting Design
Studio FLEKMural
Marius Erfgoed
Press
GLD - 10 April 2026
“New presentation at Ammersoyen Castle brings history to life” (Dutch article)Brabants Dagblad - 3 April 2026
“Transformed castle offers a journey back to the Middle Ages: ‘Ammersoyen is alive again’” (Dutch article)De Erfgoedstem - 15 April 2026
“Revamped Ammersoyen Castle brings the Middle Ages to life” (Dutch article)Magazine Kastelen & Tuinen - 20 April 2026
“Revamped Ammersoyen Castle brings the Middle Ages to life” (Dutch article)Brabants Dagblad - 4 April 2024
“Shards tell the new story of Ammersoyen Castle; Princess Margriet attends the opening” (Dutch article)Omroep Gelderland — 4 April 2024
“Princess Margriet opens new exhibition at Ammersoyen Castle” (Dutch article)Bommelerwaardgids — 21 March 2024
“Princess Margriet opens new presentation at Ammersoyen castle” (Dutch article)