It’s rare enough to be worth mentioning: the ‘Museum of Folklore and Border Life’, a project by V+ & Projectiles in Mouscron, was already in the spotlight even before it opened. From the competition – analysed in detail by A+  – through the construction phase – unveiled via an exhibition and two books – right up to the opening – hailed by the critics: the ‘before’ and the ‘during’ were widely covered. So, what should we take away from the ‘after’?

A chair, three nightingales, two pairs of clogs… Do you know this inventory by Prévert? It is a poetic list of ordinary, mismatched objects, evoking memories. The museum of Folklore’s collection of over 18,000 objects bears a striking resemblance to it. At first glance, the task seems thankless: a museum to exhibit everyday life is hardly as glamorous as a showcase for high art. You no doubt remember one or two school trips, with their reconstructions and kitsch mannequins? This image is the first thing to be deconstructed when designing a museum of this kind today. V took up the challenge, in collaboration with Véronique Van de Voorde, a highly committed director. The opening does not, however, mark the end of their journey: the new museum represents a turning point in their respective practices.