New Extension Building

Overview

The New Extension Building, a significant architectural achievement within the esteemed Kunsthaus Zurich, has transformed the art landscape of Zurich, Switzerland. Designed by the renowned David Chipperfield Architects, this striking addition officially opened its doors in October 2021, though it was formally handed over in December 2020. This bold, freestanding structure, clad in elegant Jura limestone, stands proudly across Heimplatz from the original Kunsthaus building, with a subterranean passage gracefully connecting the two, unifying them into a single, expansive artistic entity. Its inauguration significantly expanded the museum's footprint, nearly doubling its exhibition space and solidifying the Kunsthaus Zurich's position as Switzerland's largest art museum. The extension was conceived to house diverse collections, notably art from the 1960s onwards, the comprehensive Emil Bührle Collection, and to provide ample space for medium-sized temporary exhibitions.

More than just an expansion, the New Extension Building reimagines the urban fabric around Heimplatz, creating new public spaces that invite interaction and contemplation. An expansive, light-filled central entrance hall serves as a public hub, seamlessly linking an urban square to the south with a serene Garden of Art to the north. This architectural marvel, costing approximately 206 million Swiss francs, was a collaborative funding effort, with half covered by the city and canton of Zurich and the other half by generous private donors.

History & Cultural Background

The journey to the New Extension Building began in 2001 when the Zürcher Kunstgesellschaft (Zurich Art Society) first envisioned an expansion to accommodate its growing collections and evolving exhibition needs. An architectural competition in 2008 led to the selection of David Chipperfield Architects' design, which resonated with Zurich's vision for a 21st-century museum. After local voters approved the project in 2012 and overcoming initial delays, construction commenced in August 2015. The design draws inspiration from the clear architectural lines of the old cantonal school, built in 1842 to the north of the site, establishing a respectful dialogue with its urban context.

This extension represents a significant 'quantum leap' for Zurich, elevating its status as a major European arts center. It integrates into a building culture that reflects an 'enlightened civil society,' combining traditional elements with modern innovation. The building's monolithic yet refined facade, characterized by slender vertical fins of local Jurassic limestone, thoughtfully embeds it within Zurich's historical architectural vernacular while presenting a contemporary statement.

What Makes It Special

The New Extension Building stands out for several compelling reasons. Firstly, its sheer scale—nearly doubling the Kunsthaus's original exhibition capacity to 13,000 square meters—makes it the largest art museum in Switzerland. This allows for a far greater percentage of the museum's extensive collection to be displayed, including previously stored masterpieces and an expanded focus on art from the 1960s onward.

Architecturally, its 'house of rooms' concept provides a series of varying exhibition spaces, characterized by calm materiality and an abundance of natural light. Daylight enters through side windows on the first floor and skylights on the second, creating an optimal and serene environment for art appreciation. The use of exposed concrete, lightly colored oak wood, white marble for floors, and subtle brass detailing creates an elegant and understated backdrop that truly allows the art to take center stage.

Furthermore, the extension's innovative urban integration is remarkable. The expansive central hall, accessible to the public without a ticket, acts as a new form of public space and a vibrant link between the city and the museum, fostering community engagement. This hall also connects to the new Garden of Art, an open and permeable green space, and a newly defined urban square, enhancing Heimplatz as a dynamic cultural hub.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

• One of the earliest artistic interventions in the New Extension Building, even before its full public opening, was 'The Sense of Things' by choreographer William Forsythe in April 2021. This unique acoustic installation featured deconsecrated church bells ringing throughout the unoccupied building, inviting visitors to build a direct relationship with the new architecture.
• The heavy brass doors at the entrance are a particularly interesting touch, adding a sense of grandeur and craftsmanship to the contemporary design.
• Inside the central entrance hall, visitors can find a café bar which houses the largest surviving work by Max Ernst, adding another layer of artistic discovery to this public space.
• The extension significantly expanded the capacity to display the Emil Bührle Collection, a historically significant private collection that is now a permanent loan to the Kunsthaus.
• The design and construction prioritized environmental considerations, with approximately 90 percent of the concrete used made from recycled concrete with low-carbon cement, reducing its ecological footprint.

Visitor Perspective

For the curious traveler, visiting the New Extension Building is an experience of discovery and immersion. The seamless underground connection to the original Moser building means visitors can easily navigate between different eras of art and architecture, from the 1910 building to the latest Chipperfield addition. The light-filled galleries create an inviting atmosphere, encouraging visitors to spend time with the art. The various exhibition spaces, ranging from intimate to grand, offer diverse settings for viewing the extensive collections, from Old Masters and Swiss art in the historic buildings to contemporary works in the new wing.

Beyond the art, the public spaces within the extension, including the spacious entrance hall, the café, and the Garden of Art, offer inviting areas for relaxation and reflection. Whether you're drawn by the architectural brilliance, the vast array of modern and contemporary art, or simply seeking a cultural respite in the heart of Zurich, the New Extension Building at Kunsthaus Zurich offers an enriching and memorable visit. Audio guides are available in multiple languages to enhance the visitor's understanding of the collections. It truly provides a gateway to a complex and rich world of art, designed for both seasoned art enthusiasts and those new to the museum experience.