Unveiling the Glacier Garden Museum Extension: A Landscape Reimagined

Nestled at the base of a towering sandstone rock on Wesemlin hill in Lucerne, the Gletschergarten boasts a rich history dating back 20 million years. Once a quarry and later sculpted by Thorvaldsen for the iconic Lion Monument, the site gained prominence with the discovery of glacier pots in 1872, evolving into a regional tourist attraction.

Evolving Architectural Ensemble

The architectural ensemble within the park, reminiscent of English landscape parks, reflects the site’s transformation into a tourist hub. Pathways wind past various attractions, including the Schweizerhaus and geological exhibits, creating a dynamic interplay between nature and human intervention.

Park Redevelopment

The Glacier Garden Museum Extension project aims to enhance the park’s coherence by redefining its layout and expanding exhibition spaces. By dismantling annexes and creating a central square, the project seeks to optimize visitor flow and accessibility to key attractions.

Immersive Experience

Visitors enter the columned hall, where filtered daylight gradually envelops them in the rock’s climate. Descending into the depths, they encounter geological phenomena, fostering scientific inquiry and philosophical reflection.

Elemental Encounters

Stone, light, and darkness shape the spatial experience, with rooms aligned to the sandstone’s natural layers. The journey culminates in a cavernous space, evoking a primal connection to the earth.

Ascending to Light

An intricate staircase ascends to the garden courtyard, offering glimpses of vegetation and sunlight. Emerging at the surface, visitors are greeted by the Sommerau, a tranquil oasis with panoramic views of Lucerne.

Artistic Integration

Special exhibition rooms, carved from the mountain’s excavated material, complement the museum’s narrative. The Schweizerhaus, with its eclectic collection, celebrates the museum design of the late 19th century.

Thematic Landscaping

The garden, with its naturalistic and whimsical elements, reinforces the site’s allure. Structural features serve as follies, enhancing the garden’s enchanting ambiance.

In conclusion, the Glacier Garden Museum Extension by Miller & Maranta promises an immersive journey through time and nature, blending historical preservation with contemporary interpretation.