The extension building – the new centre of the museum island

The “Master Plan for Gottorf” plans an extension building on the east side of the castle, which is planned to be built in 2023/24. It forms the new centre of the museum island between the Horn Foundation museum buildings, the riding hall and the cross stable.

This extension building on the eastern side of the castle will now further develop and implement one of Friedrich IV’s (1671– 1702) visions – thus continuing the architectural history of the castle in the best sense. Within the scope of an architecture competition, the Foundation has decided in favour of the design from Holzer Kobler Architekturen. At the same time, the Schleswig-Holstein State Museums Foundation takes the cultural heritage preservation specifications into account according to which the new building must be clearly differentiated from the old building.

The extension building completes the historical building, blocked by the selection of conservative building materials, but hardly the view of the castle. Rather the opposite: the reflecting facade opens new, unexpected views of the eastern side of the castle. On the other hand, the imposing southern facade remains unhindered.

Well-received, longer stays

A museum needs a place where visitors feel at ease. A place which attracts them to linger for a while after visiting the exhibitions. In practical terms, this also means: rooms for the ticket desk, museum shop, wardrobe, café, WC etc. There are several reasons why such a place cannot be provided in the castle building itself.

In addition to the improvement of the reception and service quality, the building of the extension of the museum areas to the east enables the connection of the different storey levels in the elder east wing and the younger south wing, which makes good sense. Last but not least, this makes barrier-free tours possible.