Clad with a white, folded metal facade, this striking extension by Architects Davidsson Tarkela functionally and programmatically connects the existing Kuopio Museum of Cultural History, the Museum of Natural History and an existing library. Hovering over the glass entrance door, the reticulated façade adds a contemporary, light layer to the rich layers of historic build fabric that surround.
The original Kuopio Museum is a listed building completed in 1907. The renovation and extension project aims to restore the museum to its original character, in particular its original wooden windows. Further to this, the renovation removes undesirable building additions that were completed in the 1960’s and provides better connectivity between programmatic elements.
The original museum exhibition can now be accessed via the new exhibition hall. Temporary exhibition space is located in the extension immediately above the entrance and, in the spirit of connectivity, can be accessed from other museum spaces as needed. A windowless ‘black box’ exhibition space is uninterrupted by structure and equipped with the latest exhibition technology.
The museum’s workspaces, photography and exhibition design are located on the third floor of the extension, while loading, storage and exhibition construction facilities are located in the basement.
