Since its opening in 1979, the Sprengel Museum on the northern shore of the Maschsee has impressed visitors not only with its art of the 20th and 21st centuries, but also with its architectural development. The first phase of construction, designed by Peter and Ursula Trint and Dieter Quast, impresses with its openness: glass fronts provide insights into the exhibition rooms as soon as you enter. The 120-meter-long Museumsstraße, a paved alley made of exposed concrete, leads as the main axis through the building, from which the individual exhibition areas branch off.
In 1992, the museum was expanded to include additional exhibition and event spaces that seamlessly connect to the original building. The imposing concrete pillars on the terrace are a highlight, reminiscent of classical museum architecture and also serving as supports for exhibition banners.
The 2015 extension, designed by Meili, Peter & Partner Architects of Zurich, adds 5,250 square meters to the museum, including 1,400 square meters of exhibition space. A two-story hall with a generous spiral ramp and staircase, the Calder Hall, connects the different levels and houses two of the famous mobiles by Alexander Calder. The new exhibition spaces vary in size and ceiling height, which lends a dynamic rhythm to the tour.
What began with a generous donation from the chocolate manufacturer and namesake Bernhard Sprengel has grown over decades into an important collection of paintings, sculptures, graphics and photography. To protect the works of Picasso, among others, as well as the numerous visitors, a Fiberseal smoke control curtain was installed in the cloakroom area. This can also seal very large wall openings to keep out smoke, without disturbing the look of the unique interior like a conventional solid fire protection door would.
Image credit: © Herling/Herling/Werner, Sprengel Museum Hannover
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