National Museum Oslo

Architect Klaus Schuwerk (Kleihues + Schuwerk) planned the extensive exhibition building in a central location on the harbor. His design was awarded first prize in the architecture competition in 2010 out of 238 entries. The Neapolitan-by-choice wanted to create a "quiet stage" for the art that would draw attention to the works. Products whose timeless design blends in harmoniously were installed in the sanitary facilities. The wall-mounted WCs, Vital washbasins and Vital WCs from the Starck 3 range as well as ME by Starck urinals from Duravit bear the unmistakable signature of French star designer Philippe Starck.

Durability and ecology
When selecting the materials, durability and low maintenance were important; architect Schuwerk also wanted them to age gracefully. Ecological aspects played a major role in both the building materials and the operation of the building: the heating and cooling requirements are covered by a heat pump using seawater as an energy source. The Duravit classics Starck 3 and ME by Starck are installed in the sanitary rooms. Not only is the design of these items timeless, but the ceramic material itself is also impressively durable and robust, making it sustainable in the best sense of the word - also in terms of cleaning and care.

Natural stone massif with light house
The height of the dark slate base of the 130-metre-long structure is based on the existing buildings. Above it is a light-colored transom that clearly stands out: light and delicate, the translucent façade is finely divided, in a completely different materiality. The white alabaster shimmer transforms into a warm glow at dusk. Behind it lies the heart of the new art museum, the room for temporary exhibitions. When it is illuminated in the evening, the magical effect of the light is reversed from the inside to the outside, shaping the cityscape.
The new building wraps around the old buildings like a large "L". A new entrance courtyard leads visitors into the museum and serves as an outdoor area for the museum's own café. Wide steps lead up to the central atrium, which is connected to the roof terraces. From here, there are breathtaking views of the fjord and the Oslo skyline.