A 15th century Dominican church is no longer a place of worship, unless you really love books. Last July the Waanders In de Broeren store opened and it has over 3,000 books that are currently being sold, alongside other retail goods.
The new converted church bookstore is highly reminiscent of Selexyz Dominicanen, a similar concept in Maastricht, Holland with a multi-level black volume sitting lightly within the church’s arches and vaulted ceilings. Where that structure was darker and more dramatic, this one is light and bright, complementing the original colors of the church.
The three additional floors were placed in the side wing of the church, between the original pillars. The central axis was left open so visitors can still appreciate the grand scale of the building, with views of the organ and a modern stained glass window.
I have always really appreciated non-conventional bookstores and this one is really captivating.
Michael Kozlowski is the editor-in-chief at Good e-Reader and has written about audiobooks and e-readers for the past fifteen years. Newspapers and websites such as the CBC, CNET, Engadget, Huffington Post and the New York Times have picked up his articles. He Lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
