The Kistefos Museum in Norway has announced a shortlist of architects for its new gallery, a standalone space set to open in 2031.
The contemporary art museum and sculpture park in Jevnaker, Norway is developing a separate venue within the wider campus.
The new building will become a permanent home for the collection of museum founder, investor and art collector Christen Sveaas.
The Kistefos Museum held an invited design competition with a project brief to create an original and sustainable design.
The shortlist of teams selected for the competition’s second stage is:
- BIG
- Christ & Gantenbein
- Ensamble Studio
- Jensen & Skodvin / Hølmebakk Øymo
- Kengo Kuma and Associates
- Lina Ghotmeh – Architecture
- Snøhetta
- SO – IL
Kari Roll-Matthiesen, director of the Kistefos Museum, said: “This group of exceptional architects will now compete to create a museum that both preserves and enhances Kistefos Museum’s identity.
“We have extensive experience in commissioning site-specific artworks for the sculpture park, and in the same way, this new museum building will need to relate to the landscape and history of the site.
“The building will not only serve as a gallery but will be a work of art in itself.”
BIG, Snøhetta and SO – IL shortlisted
The competition is being managed by Malcolm Reading Consultants, specialists in international architectural competitions within the museum sector.
Malcolm Reading said: “Gifted with an atmospheric setting, a growing reputation and cachet in the art world, Kistefos Museum is becoming increasingly known both nationally and internationally as a cultural destination.
“The new gallery will provide a state-of-the-art flexible home for Christen Sveaas’ notable collection and create a dramatic presence in the landscape, while also being an exemplar of sustainable design and practices.
Winner to be announced this autumn
The eight finalists will now receive a further briefing and start creating their concept designs.
The winner is due to be announced in early autumn of this year.
Images courtesy of the Kistefos Museum, lead image credit: Laurian Ghinitoiu
