National Museum of China in Beijing, China

March 30, 2011 Category: Cultural, Public Buildings

Designed by gmp von Gerkan, Marg und Partner, National Museum is located in  Beijing, China. In 1959, ten major public buildings were commissioned for Tian’anmen Square in Beijing, in close proximity to imperial palace The Forbidden City, many of which are now viewed as key milestones in China’s architectural journey. Several years ago, ten international practices including OMA, Kohn Pedersen Fox and Foster + Partners were invited to generate outstanding designs to reinvigorate the dominating National Museum of China in the Square, converting and extending the former Chinese History Museum and Chinese National Museum.

The competition was won by Hamburg-based firm gmp Architekten which suggested gutting the existing museum structure, removing a central block and inserting a bronze flying roof into the void. This flying roof was designed to house a permanent exhibition on Chinese history and would provide far-reaching views over the city, however the client and associated Chinese architectural experts felt that the concept needed certain revisions.

National Museum of China design by gmp von Gerkan

National Museum of China design Exterior 1

National Museum of China design Exterior 2

National Museum of China design Exterior 3

Tags: Beijing, China, Chinese History Museum, Chinese National Museum, City, Forbidden City, Hamburg, Kohn Pedersen Fox, National Museum, National Museum of China, palace The Forbidden City, The Forbidden City, Tian’anmen Square