Kunsthaus Zürich extension opens to the public

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.