When the Museum Grows. Notes on Two Extension Projects by Christ & Gantenbein

Abstract

The two museum annexes by Swiss architecture firm Christ & Gantenbein, both opened in 2016, provide the opportunity to reflect on the very notion of extension. We are not describing the mere incremental logic of adding new spaces to an existing building, rather of accommodating the multifarious forms of expression of contemporary art. Despite their different aspect, program and dimension, both buildings interpret these changes in their architectural structure and the quality of the exhibition spaces. To clarify these similarities, this essay draws from contributions from analytic aesthetics exploring the statute of art and its performativity in relation to the visitor.

Keywords

• musei
• ampliamento
• estetica analitica
• esperienza
• architettura svizzera
• christ & gantenbein