English Heritage – Rievaulx Abbey Museum

Founded in 1132, Rievaulx Abbey in Yorkshire was one of the most important Cistercian monasteries in England until it was dissolved in 1538 and today the atmospheric ruins and beautiful natural setting in the Rye Valley make this a compelling and popular site. Our design response was inspired by this unique place, by the way light and shadow animated the stonework and surrounding landscape through the day and throughout the seasons.

The design’s simplicity and austere materiality was also a response to the site’s original inhabitants, Cistercian monks who had lived a simple, ascetic religious existence in this secluded valley for hundreds of years. Our designs helped rationalise this long history by using a refined materiality and formal language to connect themes over time and help give clarity to the mostly fragmentary objects on display.

Graphic Design: Kellenberger–White
Commissioned Illustrations: OMMX Architects
Lighting Design: DHA Designs
Photography: Richard Ash
Year: 2016