Weltmusum Wien

Following an international open competition in 2013, Hoskins Architects – in collaboration with Ralph Appelbaum Associates – were appointed to redevelop the Weltmuseum Wien’s exhibition and visitor facilities. The 7,500m² museum is situated in the historic Hofburg Palace in Vienna and includes 2,400m² of permanent exhibits and 1,400m² of temporary exhibition spaces.
 

A contemporary multifunction ‘cube’ in front of the main entrance highlights the museum’s public presence on Heldenplatz. New reception and introductory spaces lead visitors to the Säulenhalle – the heart of the museum – where visitors can relax in a new café area. From this dramatic space visitors can directly access the temporary exhibition spaces, new museum shop and a new auditorium at ground floor level; or the permanent collection and education facilities on the upper floor. The design incorporates a consistent architectural language, sensitive to its historic context, which works with the exhibition design to create a clear and coherent museum.