Unusual Architecture + Ratisbona

Ratisbona, Germania: [MUSEUM BAYERISCHE GESCHICHTE BY HANS HOLLEIN]
Museum Bayerische Geschichte by Hans Hollein

The new Museum of Bavarian history is a didactic sculpture in urban space narrating the past and future, rooted in the traditions of the preceding and coming generations.

Museum Bayerische Geschichte by Hans Hollein

Two separate volumes (museum and administration) bring a deliberate tension within the historical context of the city. Through undertones and metaphors the building makes historical references to the historical city for e.g. the stone cladding that corresponds to that of the Regensburg cathedral.

Museum Bayerische Geschichte by Hans Hollein

The building does not have a clearly defined and easy readable form. This is as a direct response of the diversity in content being exhibited. History is too alive and cannot therefore be placed inside a box. To emphasize the form of the museum volume the administration facilities were handled in a more reserved manner.

Museum Bayerische Geschichte by Hans Hollein

The museum is entrance is from the Danube facing side which is situated underneath one of the large cantilevers. At the southeast corner a restaurant and amphitheater can be accessed freely and irrespective of museum opening hours.

Museum Bayerische Geschichte by Hans Hollein

On the inside a central rotunda, with its grand staircase and skylight, allows the visitor to metaphorically meander through history along the staircase to eventually break through the tree canopies of the Bavarian forests to reach the ‘Bavarian sky’.

Museum Bayerische Geschichte by Hans Hollein

On occasion through this journey the visitor enters into pockets of space which make out the exhibition halls that tell the story of the unique Bavarian landscape and people. The special exhibitions and event spaces on the first floor are easily accessible via escalators.

Museum Bayerische Geschichte by Hans Hollein

The exhibition spaces are open and free, but still structured by alternating room ceiling heights. Repeatedly as one moves through the museum the visitor is granted with glimpses to the Danube, the Regensburg Cathedral and panoramic city views.

Museum Bayerische Geschichte by Hans Hollein

The proposal of a free design is adapted to emphasize the generosity of the place in which the museum is located. Among the projecting volumes of the building overhangs arise unique spatial zones and niches where visitors to Regensburg are welcomed or may gather in front the museum protected from the rain and sun.

Museum Bayerische Geschichte by Hans Hollein

Location: Regensburg, Germany Architect: Hans Hollein & Partner Partner In Charge: Christoph Monschein Project Team: Martin Rapp, Gerrie Venter, Mansour Mosawi Visuals: Damjan Minovski Model: Brüll Baut Hvac Structure: Axis Ingenieurleistungen Status: 2013 Open International Competition Client: Staatliches Bauamt Regensburg