A unified collection website for Groninger heritage
Collectie Groningen brings together the collections and stories of 18+ museums and heritage institutions across the province on a single digital platform. Erfgoed in Groningen asked Tapart to modernize the platform and bring it in line with Linked Open Data standards. Together, we built future-proof access to more than 50,000 objects
What we provided
The problem: collections kept in the dark
Across Groningen, museums share a common challenge. A large part of their collections never goes on display, so it stays invisible to the public. At the same time, there is a growing need to present these collections in a connected, lasting way that follows Linked Open Data standards for digital heritage.
The ambition was clear: turn Collectie Groningen into a shared platform that connects institutions, follows NDE guidelines and Linked Open Data principles, and makes heritage easier to find, explore, and share.
Stories as the way in
Most collection platforms are built as archives for researchers and professionals. That work still matters. But we redesigned Collectie Groningen to support both targeted search and open exploration.
Through storytelling, the platform introduces collections in a way that invites a broader audience to look around. Rich visuals and media bring the stories behind objects to life and reveal connections across museums, while fast search and filtering help you discover collections based on your own interests.
Designed for exploration
Together with Erfgoed in Groningen, we developed a renewed visual identity that balances clarity and curiosity. The result feels calm and intuitive, while leaving room for the rich, diverse content of many different heritage institutions.
Visual content leads the experience and lets the objects and stories speak for themselves. A redesigned structure, navigation, and interface make the platform easy to use, and dynamic content encourages the kind of browsing where one find leads to the next.
A foundation built for the long term
Behind the scenes, Collectie Groningen runs on the Content Platform by Tapart, a flexible foundation for the long-term growth of collections, stories, and collaboration. An integration layer connects the platform to museum collection systems, including Axiell and Atlantis, bringing all the data together in one consistent structure.
The platform is aligned with Linked Open Data principles and the National Strategy for Digital Heritage. Each object is enriched with persistent identifiers and linked to authority sources such as AAT, RKD Artists, Geonames, Wikidata, and the Termennetwerk. Looking ahead, Collectie Groningen is working toward the next phase of digital heritage, including publishing collection data directly as Linked Open Data from the source.
From hidden collections to shared heritage
The renewed platform opens up Groninger heritage to a broader audience by bringing collections from many institutions into one shared digital environment. Objects normally kept in depots are now accessible online for education, research, creative use, or simply for the joy of discovery.
For museums, Collectie Groningen marks a real step toward digitalization and the lasting presentation of their collections. Working within one shared platform strengthens visibility, knowledge exchange, and collaboration across the province.
Offline, too: an exhibition of its own
At launch, the temporary exhibition "Collectie Groningen: Offline" by Paul & Albert translated the digital platform into a physical experience, letting visitors explore objects and stories from museums across Groningen in person.
"Collectie Groningen shows what is possible when museums join forces. The end result is not only visually strong, but also marks an important first step toward the shared and sustainable online accessibility of collections. Working with Tapart was a genuinely pleasant and knowledgeable experience."
Team
Project
Museums
De Fraeylemaborg
GRID Grafisch Museum Groningen
Groninger Museum
Het Behouden Blik
Het MOW | Museum Westerwolde
Klooster Ter Apel
Landgoed Borg Verhildersum
Menkemaborg
Museum Nienoord
Museum Stad Appingedam
Museum Wiedenland
Muzeeaquarium Delfzijl
Nationaal Bus Museum
Openluchtmuseum Het Hoogeland
Storyworld
Synagoge Groningen
Universiteitsmuseum Groningen
Veenkoloniaal Museum
Visserijmuseum Zoutkamp
Domies Toen
Klokkengieterijmuseum
Historische Scheepswerf Wolthuis
Oudheidkamer Fredewalda
Cases
War close by: An immersive audio experience in the Akerk
- 2025
- Heritage
- Groningen, The Netherlands