FOSTER + PARTNERS: WORKING WITH HISTORY

25. Okt. 2008 - 22. Febr. 2009, verlängert bis 8. März 2009

From early 2009 the "Städtische Galerie im Lenbachhaus" will be remodelled and extended by the international architectural practice, Foster + Partners. In celebration of this forthcoming project, the museum is hosting an exhibition to preview the design for the Städtische Galerie and to explore a number of related works, which similarly address the theme of working with history.

Norman Foster is one of the most important architects practising in the world today. He is chairman and founder of Foster + Partners, based in London, with project offices worldwide. Over the past four decades the practice has pioneered a sustainable approach to architecture and ecology through a strikingly wide range of work, from urban masterplans, public infrastructure, airports, civic and cultural buildings, offices and workplaces to private houses and product design.

One of Foster + Partners’ first buildings in Germany was the Commerzbank Tower in Frankfurt completed in 1997 - the world’s first ecological office tower and the tallest building in Europe. In 1999 the practice was also responsible for the transformation of the Reichstag in Berlin. The Bundestag’s significance as a domestic forum, the commitment to public accessibility, the sensitivity to history, and the rigorous environmental agenda have made the Reichstag a defining symbol for the Federal Republic of Germany. This exhibition reveals a substantial body of work by the practice that has involved historic environments, each project demonstrating a fine balance between celebrating the strengths and culture of the existing structure, while creating a new building that has integrity.

For the Lenbachhaus museum in Munich, Foster + Partners has designed a dignified and sensitive addition to Franz von Lenbach's historic villa. A new entranceway and an opening to Königsplatz strengthen the museum's relationship to the city, while the energy strategy and a new visitor guidance system will provide the best possible environment to showcase the collection.

Curators: Helmut Friedel, Spencer de Grey, Katy Harris