Architects: Christ & Gantenbein
Area: 7,400 m²
Year: 2020
Photography: Roman Keller
Project Team: Emanuel Christ, Christoph Gantenbein, Mona Farag, Anna Flückiger, Daniel Monheim
Landscape Designer: Vogt Landschaftsarchitekten
Construction: ARGE Generalpalner SLM Proplaning AG
Client: Swiss Confederation / Federal Office for Buildings and Logistics (FOBL)
City: Zürich
Country: Switzerland
Swiss National Museum expansion, designed by Christ & Gantenbein is Zurich, enhances the original 1898 building by Gustav Gull. The new wing, completed in 2016, integrates with Platzspitz Park, merging historical and modern elements. It features flexible exhibition spaces, a library, and an auditorium.
The Swiss National Museum expansion in Zurich, designed by Christ & Gantenbein, complements the original 1898 building by Gustav Gull. The new wing, opening in July 201, adjoins Platzspitz Park, creating an architectural and urban ensemble that merges historical and modern elements. The new building’s layout integrates existing park features and reflects the old building’s roofscape with contemporary folds, blending old and new while remaining distinctly modern.
Architecturally, the ensemble contrasts the graceful, historical U-shaped old building with the sculptural new wing. This new section completes the building complex, allowing continuous movement through both parts. It includes flexible exhibition spaces, a library, and a spacious auditorium for public events. A central motif, the bridge, spans a wide space with a water basin, connecting the new courtyard with the park. This bridge extends inside as a monumental staircase leading to the largest exhibition area and as a tribune in the auditorium.
The strong stone walls of the old building are mirrored in the wing’s 80-centimeter thick walls, meeting the Minergie-P Eco standard for thermal insulation. The tuff concrete used in the new wing matches the old building’s tuff facade, and polished concrete floors offer a modern take on the old building’s decorative terrazzo floors.
Inside the new museum, concrete dominates, with exposed technical elements on the ceilings creating an industrial-like atmosphere. This robust and spacious environment is adaptable for various exhibitions and presentations. The new spaces are designed as museum factory halls, both conservational and experimental.
The construction phase included earthquake and fire safety upgrades and extensive refurbishment of the old building according to national heritage criteria. The main entrance was relocated where the old wing meets the Limmat River wing, originally the fine arts school. The visitor infrastructure, including the foyer, cloakrooms, shop, and restaurant, was remodeled. in summer, the restaurant and bar will offer open-air dining in the new museum plaza, adding vibrancy to the urban location opposite the main station. A modern study center on the upper levels of the Limmat River wing and the museum’s administration on the top floor of the building is now part of the museum.
The final refurbishment phase for the west wing and tower has occured from 2017 to 2020. In 2020, the entire museum will reopened to the public, marking a new chapter in presenting Switzerland’s history.
Project Gallery
Project Location
Address: 2 Museumstrasse, Zürich 8001, Switzerland
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
