thomas phifer selected for design of warsaw's museum of modern art

thomas phifer and partners selected for design of warsaw’s museum of modern art
image by by-encore
all images courtesy of museum of modern art warsaw

following a two-stage competition, the new york-based office thomas phifer and partners have been selected for the design of the museum of modern art in warsaw, beating out 11 other architects including foster + partners, henning larsen, and UNstudio. the project is a significant cultural development for poland, involving a 15,000 square meter museum as well as a 10,000 square meter building for the TR warszawa theater. the structures are to be located in the city’s defilad square, just north of the palace of culture and science.

the museum is characterized by its visual transparency to the surrounding public spaces
image by by-encore

the scheme convinced the museum’s selection committee through its connectivity to the overall city and transparency to the public. this concept is clearly displayed through high glass walls, providing full visual openness between the interior and exterior as well as plentiful daylight. the museum building and theater, although largely unattached, form a vibrant central outdoor area functioning for public exhibitions, concerts, events, and foremost social interaction.

a concert space in the theater faces a large glass wall facing warsaw’s defilad square
image by by-encore

to begin movement forward on the project, the museum has attained the ownership title to the land, and confirmed financing for the endeavor. these steps will allow for proceeding on design development and further investment. the institution describes: ‘on 4 july 2014, the museum and the theater became the owners of the land being the site of the future construction and, furthermore, the theater has received funding from the city budget, while the museum has been granted the necessary guarantees needed to obtain an investment loan, as it had been planned in agreement with the city authorities, as well as the ministry of culture and national heritage.’

based on current planning, the design is set for completion by mid-2016, while the complex hopes to open its doors by late 2019.