The new extension to the Kunsthaus Zürich art museum in Zürich, Switzerland has completed and opened to the public on Oct. 9. The extension displays a collection of classic modernism, the Bührle collection, temporary exhibitions, and art from 1960 onwards.
Designed by David Chipperfield Architects Berlin, the new freestanding museum building extends the existing Kunsthaus Zürich, turning the institution into the largest art museum in Switzerland. The building is located on the northern side of Heimplatz square, opposite the existing building. The clear geometric volume redefines the square structurally on its fourth side. The urban square is situated on the south of the extension with the new Garden of Art to the north. A large entrance hall creates a link between these two new urban spaces. A visitor passageway runs underneath the square and connects the new building with the existing Kunsthaus.
All public functions such as the cafe/bar, events hall, museum shop, and museum education services are arranged around the central entrance hall at the ground floor level. The two upper floors are reserved exclusively for the display of art. The diversely dimensioned exhibition spaces are defined by a calm materiality and an abundance of daylight.
The project temporarily opened in spring 2021 to allow visitors to experience the new museum before its official opening.
Related Stories
Reconstruction Awards | Dec 29, 2020
The reenvisioned Sazerac House: A delectable cocktail that's just perfect for the Big Easy
The 51,987-sf Sazerac House is an interactive cocktail museum, active distillery, corporate headquarters, and event venue, all under one roof, next to the historic French Quarter of New Orleans.
Giants 400 | Dec 16, 2020
Download a PDF of all 2020 Giants 400 Rankings
This 70-page PDF features AEC firm rankings across 51 building sectors, disciplines, and specialty services.
Museums | Nov 16, 2020
Design of the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum unveiled
Reed Hilderbrand and Trahan Architects designed the project.
Museums | Nov 12, 2020
The National Museum of the United States Army opens
SOM designed the building.
Museums | Nov 5, 2020
The Weekly show: Designing cannabis facilities, Bob Borson's Life of an Architect, museum design
BD+C editors speak with experts from Cooper Robertson, Life of an Architect, and MJ12 Design Studio on the November 5 episode of "The Weekly." The episode is available for viewing on demand.
Museums | Oct 15, 2020
A new museum at Princeton University designed as ‘a campus within a campus’
The building would double the size of the existing museum.
Cultural Facilities | Oct 13, 2020
Thailand’s Elephant Museum reinforces the bond between humans and beasts
The complex, in Surin Province, was built with 480,000 clay bricks.
Museums | Oct 7, 2020
First rendering of the National Medal of Honor Museum unveiled
Rafael Viñoly Architects designed the project.
AEC Tech Innovation | Sep 18, 2020
New Innovation Center should heighten Port San Antonio’s tech profile
The facility will include a 2,500-seat arena and serve as new home for the city’s S&T museum.