The Museum Bezau intertwines the past with the present. The historic, heritage-listed building is an outstanding exhibit on its own – a showpiece that immerses the visitor in the local building culture and its close connection between architecture and craftmanship. The extension ties in with the history and takes it further in its own language. With the continuation, the traditional order of the Bregenzerwald house with its front and rear building sections is restored.
Spanning three floors, the extension provides additional space for contemporary museum functions. As a new addition to the permanent collection displayed in the historic section, it accommodates visitor reception, small events and a variety of exhibits. The interior arrangement is characterized by horizontally and vertically interlocking spaces, interweaving the Old and New to create a new whole that can be experienced spatially and conceptually. Between dark and light, high and low, narrow and wide, a diverse spatial experience is made possible, enriching the exhibition layout with a further layer of depth.
In keeping with the local Baroque builder’s tradition, the planning and execution involved a close collaboration between architecture and craftsmanship. A contemporary, prefabricated timber construction completes the historic loc construction, while the differentiated façade design refers to the unique nature of its use. Inside, whitewashed wood paneling on the walls, solid spruce floorboards and ash furniture create a simple but atmospheric setting for the wide range of historical exhibits. The captivating dialog between Old and New creates a meaningful ensemble.
