David Chipperfield, Stirling Prize-winning architect and director of the 13th international Venice Biennale, has been commissioned by the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation (PCHF) to renovate the Neue National Gallery. The 20th century icon was designed by the legendary Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, who celebrated his 126th birthday this week.
Hermann Parzinger, president of the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation, said: “With David Chipperfield, I know this icon of modern architecture in the best hands. In working with him on the Museum Island, I learned the sensitivity in dealing with the architectural heritage and the conceptual clarity of his approach is greatly appreciated.”
Although 24 highly respected practices placed a bid for the project in a two-stage negotiation process, it comes to no surprise that Chipperfield was selected. His long history in dealing with architectural heritage includes the highly publicized and incredibly successful renovation of Berlin’s Neues Museum, which received the 2011 Mies van der Rohe Award, as well as the beautiful transformation of the 1920s Folkwang Museum.
The renovation will include basic maintenance of all structural elements, the restoration of the visible surfaces, restoration of the existing furniture and the addition of a cloakroom, museum shop and café.
The Neue National Gallery was build between 1965 and 1968. It was Mies’ only work built in Germany after World War II. Learn more about the gallery here on ArchDaily.
Chipperfield’s restoration will begin in 2015 and conclude in 2018. During this time, the gallery will be closed.
Reference: Stiftung Preussischer Kulturbesitz, Architects Journal
