Save this picture! © Herzog & de Meuron Basel Ltd., Basel, Switzerland Landscape architects Vogt AG, Zurich / Berlin

Three winning firms have been selected in the competition for the Museum of the 20th Century to be located in the heart of the Berlin Cultural Forum in Berlin, Germany. The 200 million euro building and site plan will serve as the new home of multiple internationally significant art collections, including the National Gallery’s Marx and Pietzsch collections, sections of the Marzona collection, and a collection of works from the Kupferstichkabinett (Museum of Prints and Drawings).

In 2015, the competition was launched, aimed at finding a design scheme that would encompass the site layout, architecture and landscaping around the museum.

Facing stiff competition from a list of 42 renowned finalists, Herzog & de Meuron together with Vogt Landscape Architects has emerged victorious for their brick, warehouse-inspired design. Runner up prizes were given to Lundgaard & Tranberg Architects with SCHØNHERR A / S, and Bruno Fioretti Marquez with Capatti Staubach Landscape Architects, while four jury recognitions were awarded to proposals from OMA, SANAA, Staab Architekten, and Aires Mateus e Associados.

First Prize

Herzog & de Meuron

Save this picture! © Herzog & de Meuron Basel Ltd., Basel, Switzerland Landscape architects Vogt AG, Zurich / Berlin

The winning design is conceived as an interaction of two inner roads, dividing the museum into four thematic quadrants. The interior “boulevards” invite visitors to linger to view art or socialize.

The building’s large gable allow diffuse light to penetrate deep into the building, which can be controlled at select locations for optimal art viewing conditions.

Save this picture! © Herzog & de Meuron Basel Ltd., Basel, Switzerland Landscape architects Vogt AG, Zurich / Berlin

“As in the city, the central intersection is the most well-trafficked place. At the center of the museum, you are able to view the whole of the building and its structure at a glance,” explain the architects.

"We see connecting and networking as the major goals of our project. The museum is the place where different paths cross, where different mentalities and worlds allow an encounter The museum has several entrances, as it is oriented in all directions one could say, the museum of the 20th century is the goal for the far outlying Piazzetta and draws attention to the local collection building for art. "

Save this picture! © Herzog & de Meuron Basel Ltd., Basel, Switzerland Landscape architects Vogt AG, Zurich / Berlin

Second Prize

Lundgaard & Tranberg Architects



Save this picture! © Lundgaard & Tranberg Arkitekter A / S, Copenhagen, Denmark with SCHØNHERR A / S, Copenhagen, Denmark

Save this picture! © Lundgaard & Tranberg Arkitekter A / S, Copenhagen, Denmark with SCHØNHERR A / S, Copenhagen, Denmark

Save this picture! © Lundgaard & Tranberg Arkitekter A / S, Copenhagen, Denmark with SCHØNHERR A / S, Copenhagen, Denmark

Third Prize

Bruno Fioretti Marquez Architekten

Save this picture! © Bruno Fioretti Marquez Architekten, Berlin, Germany with Capatti staubach Landscape Architects, Berlin, Germany / Winfried Mateyka

Save this picture! © Bruno Fioretti Marquez Architekten, Berlin, Germany with Capatti staubach Landscape Architects, Berlin, Germany / Winfried Mateyka

Save this picture! © Bruno Fioretti Marquez Architekten, Berlin, Germany with Capatti staubach Landscape Architects, Berlin, Germany / Winfried Mateyka

The finalists included:

All of the finalists designs will be on display as part of an exhibition on the competition from 18 November 2016 to January 8, 2017 in the Cultural Forum.

News via National Galerie 20.