Zumthor Unveils Beyeler Expansion

The extension is predicated on the need for spaces for education, entertainment, recreation, and other functions beyond the display of art. To date, the galleries in Piano's 1997 building have had to double as event spaces, which "has involved a considerable organizational and technical effort, as well as considerable restrictions and extra costs," per a statement from the museum. A second impetus is the need for additional gallery spaces for the display of the museum's "constantly growing collection of modern and contemporary art."

Zumthor, who was selected for the extension last September, sited the extension along Bachtelenweg, a road south of the museum that separates the Beyeler from the formerly private Iselin-Weber Park. The extension will function as a link between the museum and the park, the latter being opened to the public as a new recreational area.

Zumthor's design splits up the various functions in three small buildings – a "House for Art," a transparent events pavilion, and a simple service building – that are, per the statement, "adapted to Riehen’s village-like character and [blend] harmoniously into the natural environment." Most striking is the House for Art with its rammed-concrete exterior walls. The warm tone in the renderings would be achieved by using gravel and sand quarried from Jura chalk.

In the statement, Zumthor said, "I want to create buildings that are loved. Having the chance to do so in Basel, the city of my youth, is a particular honor for me."