The World Cultures Museum and the Council of Frankfurt requested a new modern facility to promote curiosity, research, and the art of world cultures. An opportunity to celebrate its collection and to breathe new life into the arts and literature scene in Frankfurt. The new Laboratory of World Cultures provides additional gallery space and the chance to exhibit their sought-after boat collection.
The design concept places emphasis on the permanent exhibits circulating around a courtyard with the reading room taking centre stage lit from above via an atrium, which is surrounded by various artefacts. The glazed entrance is in line with the existing museum building perimeter. Creating a metaphorical and literal connection between old and new.
The building consists of a steel frame structure constructed from double leaf brick and block masonry construction. The courtyard is constructed from a curtain wall system and provides a glazed link between the exhibits on the ground level. The transoms and mullions are coated in green as a homage to the soft landscaping of the Metzlerpark.
The new build aims to create greater interest in the arts and artefacts of world cultures and contribute to the local and regional economy of Frankfurt. Its location along the river main overlooking the high-rise skyscrapers provides the perfect backdrop between antiquity and 21st century modernism.
Gallery
Image 3: Ground floor depicts the permanent exhibition spaces and how the glazed link and courtyard divides the exhibition spaces on one side with the staff and cafeteria space on the other.
Image 5: The basement level depicts how the exhibition spaces circulate around the reading room. The auditorium can be accessed via the special exhibition, which was a request of the client for temporary exhibits.
Image 6: The terracotta brickwork complements the traditional materiality visible along Schumankai. The transoms and mullions coated in green provides a homage to the Metzlerpark that the new museum resides in.
Image 7: The World Cultures Museum can be seen rising above the courtyard when looking towards the new build from Metzlerstrabe.
Image 9: Vantage point from special exhibition looking towards the Kula Boat Exhibit.
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