New York-based architecture firm Thomas Phifer and Partners has been selected to design Warsaw’s Museum of Modern Art, beating out 11 competitors including Foster + Partners, Henning Larsen, and UNstudio, among others. The institution’s new building will mark a major boost for the Poland’s standing in the contemporary art world and make for a significant cultural development, considering that the architects envision not only a 161,00-square-foot museum, but also a 107,000-square-foot performance space for the TZ Warszawa theater. The two structures—which will be connected by a roof plaza—are set to be located in the city’s Parade Square, just north of the Palace of Culture and Science, according to Designboom.
Rendering of the Museum of Modern Art Warsaw.
Photo courtesy of by-encore.
The museum’s committee opted for the firm due to its innovative proposal of a transparent museum that would advocate for social interaction and connectivity with the city. The high glass translucent walls will provide visual openness between interior and exterior, emphasizing the museum’s role as a public venue for exhibitions, events, and concerts.
Rendering of the TZ Warszawa Theater.
Photo courtesy of by-encore.
Both the financing and ownership of the land have been obtained to start the exciting new project. The museum hopes to have the design completed by mid-2016 and open the doors to its first exhibitions by 2019.