The art collection of the Kunstmuseum Basel is one of the most important in the world. Thanks to the extension building by architects Christ & Gantenehim, opened in April 2016, the museum has more space for temporary exhibitions and for its storehouse.

How does a new building like this come about? Which thematic considerations and operational concepts are discussed beforehand? What do these mean in terms of urban development and cultural policy? What architectural challenges have to be mastered? How is the competition between the architects’ offices that leads to the jury’s decision organized? How is the existing museum run during the building phases? This publication provides answers to these and other such questions.

The development of a fascinating project is documented by means of building-site and architectural photographs, sketches and building plans, interviews and contributions by important protagonists and observers of the building process. Bernhard Mendes Bürgi, outgoing director of the Kunstmuseum Basel, is given his say, as is Emanuel Christ, architect and founder of the architects’ office Christ & Gantenbein. In addition to other exponents of the world of art and architecture apart from Boris Groys, the richly illustrated book contains contributions by the media artist Hannah Weinberger and by Claudia & Julia Müller on the importance of contemporary art museums and the interdependence of art and space.

The art collection of the Kunstmuseum Basel is one of the most important in the world. Thanks to the extension building by architects Christ & Gantenehim, opened in April 2016, the museum has more space for temporary exhibitions and for its storehouse.

How does a new building like this come about? Which thematic considerations and operational concepts are discussed beforehand? What do these mean in terms of urban development and cultural policy? What architectural challenges have to be mastered? How is the competition between the architects’ offices that leads to the jury’s decision organized? How is the existing museum run during the building phases? This publication provides answers to these and other such questions.

The development of a fascinating project is documented by means of building-site and architectural photographs, sketches and building plans, interviews and contributions by important protagonists and observers of the building process. Bernhard Mendes Bürgi, outgoing director of the Kunstmuseum Basel, is given his say, as is Emanuel Christ, architect and founder of the architects’ office Christ & Gantenbein. In addition to other exponents of the world of art and architecture apart from Boris Groys, the richly illustrated book contains contributions by the media artist Hannah Weinberger and by Claudia & Julia Müller on the importance of contemporary art museums and the interdependence of art and space.

Essays by Emanuel Christ, Boris Groys, Gerhard Mack, Dorothee Huber, Claudia & Julia Müller, Bernhard Mendes Bürgi and others