3XN's extension for silkeborg museum in denmark rises from peat landscape

the historical silkeborg museum in denmark will be revealing a new extension designed by 3XN architects. a total of three buildings, complemented by landscaping will be constructed and integrated with the existing schemes on site. the museum itself is known for the preserved bog bodies of two people: the tollund man and the elling woman. with this, the firm’s proposal will aim to establish a stronger identity to the institution, along with creating a more welcoming and accessible destination using architecture.

the museum is well known for two preserved bog bodies
all images © 3XN

3XN’s approach will begin with a journey where visitors will follow a path through a bog-like landscape before arriving at the main entrance. a contemporary form emerges from the distance, forming the new extension and from a distance appears as if a piece of peat had been carved out from the bog itself. this addition will be constructed using white stone with a timber interior and instill a nordic and welcoming character.

 the exhibitions will place emphasis on the iron age as the key period of the museum

the exhibition design will be conceived by atelier brückner. visitors are guided on a chronological path from the ice age to the middle ages, placing the emphasis on the iron age as the key period of the museum. two spaces have been created to highlight the iron age, called ‘layers of time’, as prologue and epilogue. in these spaces the timeline is condensed and visitors pass through them as a fast forward button. the iron age period extended between these two framed spaces is divided into to two parts – ‘life’ and ‘death’.

‘the design approach for the new museum was guided by the goal of creating a museum where history and modernity, exhibition and architecture all blend together’ comments jan ammundsen, senior partner and head of competitions at 3XN architects

 the extension consists of three new buildings and a new landscape design

the completed scheme will be expected to open by 2020 with the addition of a winter garden, a new administration building with educational facilities and most of all, bring together the museum attraction and the distinctive marshland surroundings.

 the 1,858 m2 (20,000 ft2) extension of the museum is expected to be completed in 2020

project info:

name: new silkeborg museum
location: silkeborg, denmark typology: muesum
expected completion: 2020
building area: 1.851 sqm
lead architect: 3XN architects
design team: jan ammundsen, kim herforth nielsen, christian hommelhoff brink, david ole wolthers,
ana merino, andrea baresi, mathilde manz, sang yeun lee, oanh henriksen.

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