berlin's neue nationalgalerie refurbishment well underway

in the summer of 2015, berlin’s neue nationalgalerie closed to the public to prepare for a comprehensive refurbishment. famously designed by mies van der rohe, the museum was completed in 1968 and has since established itself as an icon of modern architecture. in 2012, david chipperfield’s berlin office was appointed to renovate the building for the first time in its history.

the institution closed to the public in 2015 to prepare for its comprehensive refurbishment
image © staatliche museen zu berlin / schmedding.vonmarlin (also main image)

the ongoing refurbishment of the neue nationalgalerie will repair all damaged parts of the original building and rectify any pressing safety concerns. these works — being carried out by david chipperfield architects berlin — include fire prevention measures, renovation of structure’s entire exterior, an overhaul of its concrete shell, and removal of the root cause of glass breakage. the renovated museum must also meet the requirements of a modern institution in terms of air conditioning, safety, lighting, storage functions, and visitor services.

david chipperfield’s berlin office was appointed to renovate the building for the first time in its history
image © staatliche museen zu berlin / schmedding.vonmarlin

the building’s visual appearance will be preserved, with the historical structure kept intact as much as possible. every detail has been closely scrutinized to maintain a true sense of integrity and identity. david chipperfield previously led the reconstruction of berlin’s neues museum on museum island, which re-opened in 2009, and is also responsible for the re-design of the city’s james simon galerie. the neue nationalgalerie is set to reopen in the summer of 2020. see more information and images on museum’s blog here.

the ongoing refurbishment will repair all damaged parts of the original building
image © staatliche museen zu berlin / schmedding.vonmarlin