‘danish natural history museum’ proposal by steven holl, copenhagen, denmark all images courtesy of steven holl

steven holl’s submission for the new danish natural history museum is centered around three basic ideas: under the sea, under the earth and under the sky, in a subterranean scheme that brings the visitor closer to the very subject they are observing. the proposal includes exhibits, research facilities and educational services.

the main entry is located through a pavilion below a convex sand-blasted glass curve resembling a sky. this area is constructed entirely out of structural glass panes and suspends the first whale as a foreshadow to what lies in the spaces below. a fold of land from the garden creates the auxiliary entrance that will take one ‘under the earth,’ directly to the exhibit titled ‘facing north.’ the primary exhibit volume consists of a free flowing circulation over three horizontal levels divided by five vertical display partitions. the ceiling contains five large openings, visible from the outside as icebergs, that bring natural daylight into the expansive underground gallery. each tube connected to the skylights contains a different experience, such as the ‘solar walk’ or the ‘tree of life.’

steven holl: natural history museum proposal approach from street

steven holl: natural history museum proposal ‘under the sky’ main entrance pavilion

steven holl: natural history museum proposal model

steven holl: natural history museum proposal model

steven holl: natural history museum proposal model