‘extension to the felix nussbaum haus’ by daniel libeskind in osnabrück, germany all images courtesy studio daniel libeskind photographer: bitter bredt

revisiting his first completed project in 1988, internationally-renowned architect daniel libeskind has completed a new extension to the ‘felix nussbaum haus’ in osnabrück, germany. remaining connected to the original facility by a glass bridge, the addition includes a new entrance hall, a shop, as well as a learning center on the upper floor. the project also includes the transformation of the museum’s lower level which has been redesigned to accommodate a flexible lecture hall and event space, catering facilities, cloak rooms and restrooms for both buildings.

daniel libeskind: extension to the felix nussbaum haus entrance

standing in stark contrast to the kunstgeschichtliche museum to one side and the akzisehaus on the other, the colour and material palette for the extension features a dark grey plaster finish with black steel graphically highlighting the facade. the regular volume of the design is characterized by large jagged windows that offer moments of visual communication between the interior and exterior. the result is a dynamic exterior expression that establishes a clear identity for the extension.

daniel libeskind: extension to the felix nussbaum haus exterior view

‘it is such an exciting moment to return to the felix-nussbaum-haus, my first completed project,’ says libeskind. ‘as an architect, it is a great honor to be asked to design an extension to this museum for the city of osnabrück. it is a true celebration that the museum for nussbaum (who was once a forgotten artist) is growing and expanding not only architecturally but also in our hearts and minds. the integration of the new extension with the present symbolizes that the memory of nussbaum will have a vibrant and ongoing narration.

daniel libeskind: extension to the felix nussbaum haus (left) window (right) detail

daniel libeskind: extension to the felix nussbaum haus facade treatment

daniel libeskind: extension to the felix nussbaum haus glass bridge

daniel libeskind: extension to the felix nussbaum haus (left) glass bridge at night (right) interior view of bridge

daniel libeskind: extension to the felix nussbaum haus shop

daniel libeskind: extension to the felix nussbaum haus connecting back to the museum

daniel libeskind: extension to the felix nussbaum haus plan

daniel libeskind: extension to the felix nussbaum haus section

daniel libeskind: extension to the felix nussbaum haus elevation

daniel libeskind: extension to the felix nussbaum haus elevation

project info:

client: the city of osnabrück building area: 508 m2 (new building); 2,026 ms (rebuilding) structure: dark grey plaster with black steel frames and lines joint venture partner: reindersarchitekten BDA cost control, tender, contract manager and site supervision: reindersarchitekten BDA structural engineer: ingenieurburo dr. ehlers – unland kramer-evers bauphysik GmbH & co. KG MEP engineer: jager + partner, beratende ingenieure VBI landscape architect: lutzow 7 – muller & wehberg lighting designers: studio dinnebier contrators (multiple contracts): neve GmbH (raw construction) windows: h. klovekorn GmbH facade: f.f.winter, caementum, bau-service-GmbH mechanical systems: jager + partner electrical systems: stadt osnabruck, mr. slepker; elektro A. große-wordemann GmhB & co. KG