BRC Imagination Arts to Design Pre-Concept Phase of the Netherlands' Minestone Project

release date: June 23, 2005

Minestone to Build on History of Industrion Museum

BURBANK, Calif. -- BRC Imagination Arts, a leading designer of distinctive experience exhibits for museums, corporate visitor centers and heritage attractions, has been hired to design the pre-concept phase of Minestone, an expansion project of the existing Industrion Museum in the Netherlands (http://www.industrion.nl/). Minestone will build on the existing Industrion Museum by celebrating the national cultural and history of The Netherlands. Located in Kerkrade, Minestone is expected to attract visitors form Germany, Belgium and The Netherlands.

Using its “Showmanship Meets Scholarship” approach to museum design, BRC’s initial concepts for Minestone’s sustainable industrial heritage begin with the region’s historical mining industry and showcase today’s industries that develop sustainable power sources. BRC expects to include designs for a special effects theater, exhibits, children’s play area, specialized retail area and restaurants.

An experience destination for families, the Minestone Project is expected to increase tourism by showcasing the region’s mining history, sustainable lifestyle and arts. With the addition of Minestone the region expects to host more overnight visitors interested in culture and history; and families looking for an interesting and fun environment for the entire family.

“We believe that Minestone will provide a breakthrough venue featuring experience design exhibits showcasing this region’s proud history and future,” said Bart Dohmen, managing director of BRC Imagination Arts, BV. “Minestone will become the place that attracts people from three nations who want to learn about the past and hear about the future.”

“Minestone will create a wondrous place that celebrates the remarkable achievements of and honors those who lived here, and will energize visitors to learn about science and think of their own future,” said Hans Gubbels, director, Industrion. “Minestone will re-vitalize this area, attracting visitors who will attend the museums, learn from the science exhibits, shop in the themed stores, and enjoy the artwork and restaurants.”

About BRC Imagination Arts

Founded in 1981, BRC Imagination Arts is the leader in the design, creation and production of innovative and immersive experience-based attractions for museums, experiential marketing, theme parks and cultural heritage sites worldwide.

BRC projects have consistently exceeded the expectations of clients and visitors, and have a proven track record of economic sustainability and the industry's best record for on time, on budget performance. Clients include Ford Motor Company, General Motors, NASA, Disney, Warner Brothers and Universal Studios. With offices in California, Amsterdam and the United Kingdom, BRC has been honored with over 250 international awards for creative excellence including two Academy Award nominations and nine THEA Awards for Outstanding Achievement in themed entertainment.

The company is currently engaged in major projects in the U.S., China, Japan, Singapore, South Africa, the UK, and Sweden. For more information, visit www.brcweb.com.