This extension will also be an opportunity to Reorganize existing spacesof Review exterior fittings and improve the energy performance of the entire site. The work scheduled from 2023 to 2027 will involve a Closure of the institution to the public from January 2024.
A new building for collections
The construction of a extension Dedicated to the collections reinforces – more than half a century after the opening of the Museum – the two wings made by the architect Raymond Tschudin between 1961 and 1966; One for the public, the other for scientists.
This third and new wing, accessible mainly to scientists, will highlight the work of conservation and studies of the collections carried out within the museum.
The Museum of the City of Geneva is the largest museum in natural history in Switzerland and the museum most frequented from Geneva. Its collections represent a heritage of world interest with a collection today reaching more than 15 million specimens, referenced over 30 km of shelving. A large part of the specimens is kept in containers containing alcohol.
In order to comply with the security standards in force according to the criteria defined by the Protection against Protection against Major Accidents (OPAM), a new development dedicated to accommodate and preserve this heritage had become essential. At the end of an architectural competition which took place in 2017, the “Amber” project from the MAK Architecture SA office was selected. The bias of the “Amber” project is to insert in public space a light, translucent and abstract volume in dialogue with the two existing buildings.
THE Cedar of Lebanon and maple which adjoin the future construction will be kept and will be the subject of special follow -up throughout the duration of the site.
An improvement in existing spaces
The transfer of collections to this extension implies a partial reorganization existing buildings. The workspaces will thus be refurbished to improve conditions and rationalize the organization. In the exhibition building, the reception of the public will be improved thanks to the redefinition of the entrance, the shop and the cloakroom. A new space dedicated to temporary exhibitions and a library will be created.
Outside, the entrance forecourt will be renovated and the park redesigned. The paths will be completed and furniture installed in order to make green spaces more welcoming. The parking lot will be reduced to the bare minimum, thus making it possible to re -establish the public space as an extension of the existing parkwith the planting of new shrub trees and massifs and soil permeabilization.
This important project will also be used in order to initiate the energy transition of the site as a whole, with in particular the construction of a photovoltaic power plant and the establishment of green roofs. The heat needs of the new building will be 100% provided by renewable energies. The site that begins in February 2023 is planned in several stages until 2027. Although all the precautions are taken to better manage these works, it is called upon to understand the public concerning the possible temporary nuisances that the site could generate in its enclosure and around. The site will notably require a closure of the building to the public from January 1, 2024.
A cultural programming And scientist will however be maintained with activities provided outside the walls and online appointments. News on current research and content of scientific mediation will continue to be offered to audiences via the digital channels of the Museum.
Provisional calendar – the main stages of the site
- Construction of the new collections building: February 2023 – Fall 2025.
- Works in the existing exhibition building: late 2023 – late 2026.
- Works in the existing scientific building: Autumn 2023 – Spring 2027.
- Closure of the Natural History Museum: January 2024 to Autumn 2026.
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