MKM Museum Küppersmühle Extension / Herzog & De Meuron

Architects: Herzog & de Meuron
Area: 5,000 m²
Year: 2021
Photography: Simon Menges
Lead Architects: Roland Schreiber
Design Team: Mikolaj Bazaczek (Visualizations), Juliane Brantner, Teodor-Octavian Cuciureanu, Florian Hartmann, Sebastian Hefti, Māra Igaune, Susanne Kozlowski, Hannah Reusser, Daniel Schürer
Partner in Charge: Jacques Herzog, Pierre de Meuron, Robert Hösl
General Planning: Drees & Sommer Schweiz GmbH, Büro Basel
HVAC Engineering: Drees & Sommer Advanced Building Systems
Structural Engineering: Drees & Sommer Advanced Building Systems
Construction Management: Diete + Siepmann Ingenieur GmbH
Landscape Architect: Vogt Landschaftsarchitekten AG
Fire Protection Consulting: HHP Berlin
Clients: MKM Stiftung für Kunst und Kultur
City: Duisburg
Country: Germany

MKM Museum Küppersmühle Extension, designed by Herzog & de Meuron in Duisburg, Germany, enhances the historic dockside through its thoughtful integration of contemporary architecture with industrial heritage. Completed in 2021, the 5,000 m² extension adds 2,500 m² of new exhibition spaces connected via repurposed silos, creating a seamless visitor experience across old and new galleries.

Mkm museum küppersmühle extension / herzog & de meuron

The MKM Museum Küppersmühle extension began development in 2013, commissioned by the Ströher family. Herzog & de Meuron conducted a feasibility study to assess the site’s potential, ultimately deciding against the original concept of an illuminated cube atop the silo towers. Instead, the extension adopts a design aligning with the dockside’s historic brick structures. This approach completes the museum complex harmoniously and visually integrates it with the existing building row. At first glance, the new structure appears as though it has always been part of the site.

The extension comprises three components, with heights of approximately 33.5, 30.5, and 27.5 meters, respectively. These volumes reflect the mass, height, and materials of the original buildings, creating a cohesive whole. Two parts are dedicated to exhibition spaces, while the third houses access areas, utilities, and art handling facilities. The extension spans five levels, including one underground, with a total floor area of 4,900 m², of which 2,500 m² are allocated for exhibitions.

The project’s massing was influenced by a prohibition on building within 40 meters of the autobahn. The resulting layout optimizes the available space, with the tallest exhibition components positioned along the building-free zone. The additive composition of the parts ensures clear legibility while aligning the new structure’s tallest point with the height of the main existing building.

Bridges through the silos at the first and second upper levels directly link the extension to the existing museum galleries, ensuring uninterrupted visitor circulation. The silos are not only connectors but also serve as distinctive exhibition spaces, retaining their original materials to preserve their industrial character. Six interior silos removed previously are now integrated into the design. Openings at the ground-floor ceiling and bridges make these areas accessible and visible from the new exhibition spaces.

Windows along the dockside and Philosophenweg elevations provide striking views of the surrounding area, with the brick façades of the new extension echoing the materiality of the existing structures.

A central staircase facilitates continuous visitor circulation and a sequential display of exhibits. This design element draws inspiration from the staircase of the museum’s 1999 project, maintaining continuity in form and function.

The new galleries reflect the additive nature of the Küppersmühle as an industrial site. Their architecture and interior align with the existing exhibition spaces, with the uppermost gallery featuring a visible shed structure and top-lighting. Flexible spatial arrangements across all levels allow for diverse uses.

The silos will also regain their original 1930s superstructure, which will house a viewing platform accessible from the dockside promenade. This addition offers a further functional transformation of the silos, complementing their historical and aesthetic significance.