The Kistefos Museum in Jevnaker, Norway has selected Swiss architectural practice Christ & Gantenbein to design its new building.
The Christ & Gantenbein-led team has been announced as the winner of an international design competition for the new space.
Located an hour north of Oslo, Kistefos Museum is a contemporary art museum and sculpture park.
Due to open in 2031, the new building will become the permanent home for Kistefos founder, investor and art collector Christen Sveaas' art collection.
Emanuel Christ, Christen Sveaas and Christoph Gantenbein Albrecht Fuchs courtesy of Kistefos
"Choosing a winner of the international architectural competition is a major milestone for Kistefos," said Sveaas.
"We wanted a sculptural building that people would travel from far away to see. A building that evokes wonder and excitement when you encounter it, that surprises you when you step inside, and that continues to inspire even after you have left Kistefos.
"All eight finalists submitted excellent proposals, for which we are very grateful."
He added, "Now we are very much looking forward to working with Christ & Gantenbein to create a peaceful and spectacular new home for art in the forest at Kistefos."
New building to open in 2031
The design competition's runners-up are BIG, Ensamble Studio, Jensen & Skodvin / Hølmebakk Øymo, Kengo Kuma and Associates, Lina Ghotmeh – Architecture, Snøhetta, and SO–IL.
Emanuel Christ, co-founding partner of Christ & Gantenbein, said: "We are thrilled to be selected. It feels good, but most of all, it feels right. Every so often in design, you experience a moment of fortune when things fall naturally into place.
"Our aim was to create a synthesis − bringing together all the impressions of Kistefos − and this led us to the idea of a generous roof that establishes both equilibrium and harmony.
"The spatial experience offers a sense of intimacy and familiarity, yet at the same time reveals surprising, spectacular, and subtly mysterious moments shaped by the building’s unique form."
Christ & Gantenbein will now work with Kistefos Museum to develop the initial concept design.
Established in 1996, the Kistefos Museum offers world-class architecture, art exhibitions, and an expansive sculpture park.
Images courtesy of Kistefos Museum
