Gradual Opening of the Museum Expansion
Peter Zumthor’s architectural museum expansion of the Fondation Beyeler in Riehen, near Basel, is set to gradually open to the public, with a full unveiling scheduled for January 2027. This ambitious project introduces three new buildings, enhances the park, and restores historic structures, extending beyond Renzo Piano’s original design to create a harmonious space intertwined with art, architecture, and nature.
Three Distinctive Buildings in the Development
Selected from a field of 11 architectural proposals, Zumthor’s design divides the new functions across three remarkable structures: the Wyss Museum, Ammann Pavilion, and Erlen Torhaus. Each building uniquely engages with the landscape. This decision avoids a single overwhelming mass and respects the site’s historic pattern of villas and gardens, creating an environment where the new architecture feels as though it has naturally belonged to the site, enhancing the overall project.
The Wyss Museum: A Stone-Centric Experience
The striking Wyss Museum offers 1,500 square meters of exhibition space, carefully integrated around existing trees. Constructed primarily with Jura limestone, the building emphasizes side lighting and spectacular views of the surrounding verdant landscape. Its unique spiral design ensures that both art and natural beauty remain center stage, playing a key role in the overall development.
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Ammann Pavilion: A Community Hub
The Ammann Pavilion, bridging the museum buildings and historic structures, serves as a social nucleus. Designed for versatility, it offers free public access and functions as both a lounge and cultural venue. The architecture blends glass and oak, highlighted by an acoustic setup finely tuned for various events, making it a significant component of the redevelopment.
A Revived Landscape
Accompanying the architectural expansion is a transformation of the landscape, offering nearly 10,000 square meters of newly accessible parkland. This area forms a serene connection to the existing English landscape gardens and the wider Landschaftspark Wiese nature reserve, featuring native flora and thoughtfully placed artworks that enhance the visitor experience, contributing to the overall enhancement.
Historic Structures Reimagined
The project also revitalizes existing structures with new uses. The heritage-listed Orangerie, redesigned by India Mahdavi, and the Ammann Atelier push the boundaries of art and education. Meanwhile, the Erlen Torhaus serves as a transition hub between the village and nature reserve, facilitating art logistics and housing workspaces as part of the expansion.
Reopening Details
The public can explore the expanded Fondation Beyeler during a preview phase before its full opening on January 15, 2027. The enriched venue’s inaugural exhibition, “Constellations,” will showcase over 200 pieces from the Fondation Beyeler collection spread throughout the museum and its grounds, ensuring a dynamic intersection of art and nature.
An Artistic Journey
An upper-level terrace at the Wyss Museum connects seamlessly back to the park, inviting visitors to wander freely between art and landscape, creating an immersive experience that unites the new and the familiar in a setting designed to be loved.
Sources & Links
Source: designboom.com
Frequently asked questions
When is the full unveiling of the museum expansion?
The full unveiling of the museum expansion is scheduled for January 2027.
What is the purpose of the Ammann Pavilion?
The Ammann Pavilion serves as a community hub, offering free public access, and functions as both a lounge and cultural venue. Designed for versatility, it includes an acoustic setup finely tuned for various events.
How is the landscape being transformed in the expansion?
The landscape is being transformed to offer nearly 10,000 square meters of newly accessible parkland, forming a serene connection to the existing English landscape gardens and the wider Landschaftspark Wiese nature reserve.