From the competition brief by Dr. Christoph Becker, Director of the Kunsthaus Zürich:

“Even after its renovation between 2001 and 2005, the Kunsthaus Zürich cannot rest on its laurels if access to the public and to international exhibition cooperation as well as the network of art loans is to be sustainably secured. In order to achieve and maintain an international reputation in this dynamic environment, there is a need for change.

Based on its unique and successful history and its context, the Kunsthaus is redefining itself as a museum for the 21st century from the inside out. Its most important design elements are the requirements of A and P, of Art and Public. The artistic curatorial concept, today more of a linear art education, put an emphasis on tracing and identifying the coherence within individual eras and between the genres. Therefore, a dynamic, networked use of its own collection of art from the 1960s is at the centre of the concept. The collection must get moving!

The platform for the new product is the extension, which must fulfil four core duties. Firstly, there is a demand for new galleries, which are characterised by flexible usability: suitability for new media, graphics, photography; configurable room sequences. In addition, further galleries of a classical format are needed for the collection of the 19th century and classical modernism.They will create an exciting contrast to the aforementioned type of galleries that allow a more active use and to the presentation of the works of art in the less flexible existing building. Thirdly, medium-sized exhibitions: efficiently staged, without intruding on the collection. Finally, in the extension’s entrance area, the experience of art should already be possible and the intensified, welcoming atmosphere of the Kunsthaus at the Heimplatz square should be signaled.

More than an extension together with the renovated Kunsthaus, the extension will form the New Kunsthaus. The additional floor space is focused: “more room for art, better service for visitors”. With more space for Alberto Giacometti, Swiss Art, old Masters and the large-scale popular exhibitions, the well-known existing building gains in quality; it is on an equal footing and remains well frequented. On the other side of the public square Heimplatz, contemporary art, classic modern art and the 19th century will interplay with the new focal point of French painting. The Kunsthaus Zürich is becoming one of the top addresses for French Impressionism and postimpressionism: The Foundation E.G. Bührle Collection moves to the Heimplatz with its masterpieces ranging from Cézanne to Monet. A unique opportunity. The two buildings will be connected underground to house the largest art museum in Switzerland.”

The competition website is in German, the link to that site is here. The link to the English PDF is provided on the left.

More Information:
Competition Website
Competition PDF
ursula.tschirren@zuerich.ch