Kunstmuseum Basel Extension | Christ & Gantenbein

The extension functions as the contemporary counterpart to the Kunstmuseum’s main building from the 1930s. The north-west façade flexes into an indented corner, providing a welcoming entrance that spatially refers to the straight arcade of the pre-existing structure. With skylights at the top and windows in the middle, the organization into three floors is inspired by the main building’s typology. The façade in waterstruck grey bricks also perpetuates the compactness of its light limestone volume. A light frieze subtly merges text elements within the brick layers. Delineated by loadbearing concrete walls in a cross lay-out, the new exhibition spaces convey permanence while leaving the staircase to modulate the resulting areas.