This proposal was developed as part of an invited international competition for the expansion of the French Collection Museum in Denmark. Set within a carefully curated landscape and neighbouring the museum’s celebrated extension by Zaha Hadid, the project posed a unique challenge: how can a museum grow without compromising the architectural, cultural and environmental qualities that make it exceptional?
Rather than introducing another prominent object into the landscape, the proposal sought to preserve and strengthen the existing character of the site by placing the majority of the expansion below ground. Positioned south of the existing museum and conservatory, the new extension remains largely hidden within the terrain, allowing the surrounding parkland, architecture and views to retain their prominence.
Conceived as the museum’s "buried treasure chest", the extension does more than provide additional space for the collection. It transforms the act of discovering art into a carefully choreographed journey, where architecture, landscape and exhibition design become inseparable. By embedding the building within the earth, the proposal establishes a subtle dialogue between the visible and the concealed, the familiar and the unexpected.
Natural light plays a central role throughout the design. A sequence of transitional spaces introduces visitors gradually to the collection, creating moments of pause, reflection and anticipation before entering the exhibition halls. These intermediary spaces act as thresholds between the surrounding landscape and the artworks themselves, preparing the visitor for a more focused and contemplative experience.
The relationship between art and nature remains fundamental to the proposal. Impressionist painting is deeply rooted in the observation of light, atmosphere and everyday life, and the extension seeks to preserve this connection through carefully framed views and a continuous awareness of the surrounding park. Rather than isolating the collection from its setting, the architecture reinforces the dialogue between artwork, landscape and visitor.
While discreet in its presence, the extension was envisioned as a significant addition to the museum's future. Beyond improving conservation, security and exhibition capacity, the project aimed to strengthen the institution's role as an international cultural destination, capable of attracting both Danish and international visitors while enhancing the unique qualities that have made the museum a landmark within the cultural landscape.
The proposal demonstrates how museum architecture can remain respectful and restrained while creating meaningful new experiences. By building into the landscape rather than upon it, the project allows the collection, the park and the existing architecture to remain at the forefront, ensuring that the expansion contributes to the site without ever dominating it.
location charlottenlund, denmark
type architecture competition entry
program museum extension
area 1.700sqmstatus second prize invited competition (2012)
client ordrupgaard museum
design team kengo kuma, yuki ikeguchi, miguel huelga de la fuente, minoru ko, kimio suzuki,
leroy merks, zsuzsanna barat, yamato abe
local architect adept architect
