In 2018, due to rising visitor numbers, the museum board decided to expand and update the building designed by Claus and Kaan. We were asked to design the new NMKV, including an extension, a renewed layout with updated technology for the existing museum rooms, and a redesigned reception area with a stronger connection between the various entrances, as well as a new desk, shop, café and supporting facilities.
The extension connects to the reception zone and is conceived as a solid volume pressed into the ground, making it appear smaller and more modest in the landscape. A horizontal cut at ground level visually separates the top from the base, creating the effect of a heavy mass floating just above the ground. Although originally envisioned as solid concrete, environmental considerations led to a light steel structure with modular wooden façades finished with concrete plaster.
A wide tribune staircase bridges the height difference with the existing building. Inside, the extension contains three smaller rooms and one large space; a sliding wall allows the large area to be closed off or used as an auditorium. Additional facilities include toilets and a room for volunteers.
The material palette is modest and pure — wood, concrete and reused aluminium panels — reinforcing the understated character of NMKV, where the visitor experience and the stories of the former camp prisoners remain central.