Ragnarock

Denmark’s new museum for rock, pop and youth culture, called Ragnarock, oozes of rock’n’roll attitude with its golden exterior and velvety red interior. ”Our aim with the design was to translate the special energy, image and attitude of rock and pop music into architecture. The unique building will introduce the audience to the world of rock music in a tangible way. The 20 meter cantilever guarantees to have an physical impact on anybody standing under it or in it - hovering over the ground in the exhibition. It is an homage to rock and pop stars like Bowie, Hendricks and Jagger,” says Dan Stubbergaard, Founder and Creative Director of COBE. Ragnarock is part of ROCKmagneten, a masterplan that COBE and MVRDV won in 2011, which is situated in an area of Roskilde, Denmark, where a concrete factory used to be. Today, the area has been transformed into a creative and cultural neighborhood. COBE and MVRDV’s idea behind the museum has been to recreate contrast between the two distinct sides of rock music. The interplay between rough and trashy on one hand, but glitzy and spectacular on the other characterizes rock music, and has provided inspiration to the design. Dressed in sparkling golden metal studs and sitting on top of old concrete warehouses, Ragnarock embodies this contrast. The building sets new standards for architecture and will become an icon for the city and the Greater Copenhagen. ”The analogy of rock has been carried through into the museum, where the scarlet red interior of the foyer resembles the velvety inside of a guitar case,” Stubbergaard continues. Outside the museum a large red carpet welcomes visitors all year around. The red carpet is a landscape element that not only creates a connection between the museum and the rest of the area, but becomes an experience in itself as it will be activated by music and exhibition elements from Ragnarock. The museum spans 4 storeys and has a 20 meter cantilever. The building contains a number of public functions such as a large exhibition hall, auditorium, library, recording studios, museum shop, café, workshops, patio and an outdoor music venue. Ragnarock will become an attraction for tourists and Copenhageners alike. Ragnarock opens to the public the 30th of April with free admission throughout the whole weekend. The museum is open every day, all year. COBE and MVRDV won the competition for ROCKmagneten and Ragnarock in 2011 with a masterplan transforming the existing Musicon whilst adding three new buildings: the completed Ragnarock, Roskilde Festival Folk High School and the headquarters for Roskilde Festival. COBE and MVRDV continue to collaborate on the realization of Roskilde Festival Folk High School which is set to be completed during 2018.