The Central Pavilion

When you approach the Museum Island, the tall golden tower at the centre of the building is the most striking object. This is the repository of the Museum, and also the entrance. Mendini regards this part as the heart of the Museum, the treasury in which the Museum's possessions are kept. This explains the crucial position it was assigned in the design. The golden colour refers, of course, to the precious contents. When the sun shines on the tower, it dazzles the viewer, demanding attention from passers-by.
The green section on the south side is equipped with large windows: this is the café/restaurant from where visitors can enjoy a fine panorama of passing boats out across the water. The café contains furniture by various designers who are also represented in the Museum's collection.
The educational areas are located under the café, such as the auditorium, the children's studio, the Werkman Archives, and the underwater café. The Museum shop and the café/restaurant are situated on the same level as the entrance.

The spiral staircase forms the actual entrance to the various collections and is also the central point of orientation. The visitor has to go downstairs, not upstairs, as in traditional museums (to 'exalted' art). The spiral staircase opens onto the corridors leading to the exhibition pavilion.