De Witt takes a traditional cinematic experience to a whole new level.

Situated in the vibrant heart of Dordrecht, the newly revamped De Witt stands as an elegant tribute to the city's history and cultural prowess. Once a grand cinema, De Witt now marries the culinary arts with visual pleasure, offering a brasserie and cinema experience that captivates both the palate and the imagination.

Upon entry, the grandeur of De Witt's past as 'The Movies' is immediately apparent. Visitors enter through a grand entrance where natural light cascades through restored windows, setting the stage for an experience steeped in nostalgic glamour. Inside, a ticket booth draped in light blue velvet and a cinematic display of movie posters evokes the timeless allure of the silver screen.

The transformation of the space into a welcoming brasserie is a masterclass in interior design. The former café and restaurant have made way for an expansive dining area where the orientation invites the city in, creating a seamless connection with the bustling square outside. The brasserie's central area, with its open kitchen and long vermillion bench, beckons diners to engage with the culinary spectacle.

A homage to its multifaceted history, the interior design weaves together elements that pay respect to the building's origins. Each detail tells a story, from the cloister walkways of its convent days to the tiled corridors reminiscent of its time as a school. The bar, a dramatic centrepiece, is reminiscent of a stage with its majestic velvet curtain backdrop, inviting guests to indulge in cocktail artistry under the glow of spotlights.

Studio Modijefsky's commitment to integrating the city's heritage is evident in the colour palette selection, resonating with Dordrecht's traditional hues. This careful consideration anchors De Witt as a proud emblem of the city, promising to be a beacon of enjoyment for locals and visitors alike.

The brasserie's design is a clever play on heights and sightlines, with elevated areas offering new perspectives. The use of Aigües tiles handcrafted in Mallorca and distinctive lighting solutions not only brightens the space but also infuses it with a warm, inviting ambiance. Custom-made furniture pieces and repurposed vintage chairs contribute to the brasserie's unique character.

Visual connectivity is a theme throughout De Witt, with lighting in the shape of cloister arches and nuanced details like the bar's wave-carved wooden base bringing cohesion to the space. And for those seeking privacy, impressive yellow curtains transform a corner of the brasserie into a secluded haven.

Ascending the staircases lined with movie posters leads to an upstairs film lounge, a more intimate counterpart to the bustling brasserie below. Here, the decor transitions to oak flooring and simpler lighting fixtures, maintaining the thematic continuity of the space.

De Witt's event room epitomizes versatility and is outfitted to host various performances and gatherings. The strategic use of dark velvet curtains and ambient lighting creates an immersive atmosphere that's both inviting and theatrical.

This rejuvenated landmark is a dining and entertainment venue with a meticulously curated experience that harmoniously blends past and present. De Witt stands ready to serve as a canvas for memories in the making, where each visit is an encounter with the city's soul, articulated through thoughtful design and engaging spaces.

PROJECT DETAILS

Project: All day Brasserie & Cinema Spaces

Location: Dordrecht, The Netherlands

Assignment: Interior design

Status: Realized October 2023

Size: interior 1.115 m2 interior & 525 m2 exterior

Client: Dennis van Buuren

Design: Studio Modijefsky; Esther Stam, Natalia Nikolopoulou, Agnese Pellino, Ivana Stella, Felicia Ureña, Christel Willers, Beata Karlsson, Cansu Sezer, Blerina Xhigoli

Architectural design of the new entrance & façade openings by Lugten Malschaert Architecten

Graphic design & Brand identity by Offff Studio

Photography: Maarten Willemstein