Berlin’s museum of the 20th century is envisioned as a place that invites visitors and community to immerse in the identity shaping force of 20th century art and culture; as well as a place to cultivate the identity forming values of the 21st century. Thus the museum is fragmented by the values of extremes, openness, experimentation, search and variance, and unified with values of quiet, reflection, self-discovery, integration and tolerance.

Almost half of the museum’s program is located underground allowing for a lighter footprint at grade. Its volume is rotated towards the focal point of the kultureforum – Scharounplatz. This connection is further enhanced by stepping the building up towards the south / southeast. The resulting form is a series of diverse terracing exhibition spaces, connected and unified by a central grand stair that culminates at the top of the building with a view out into the city as the final masterpiece.

The exhibition space is protected by a terracing roof, or Art Terrace, recalling Rome’s Spanish Steps. A series of skylights and courtyards are cut into the roof allowing views out into the Kultureforum, indirect light and a place to gather and display art.

The carefully sculpted volume reinforces views and volumetric balance between all buildings of the kultureforum. Its internal and external tiered organization encourages engagement, discovery and reinvention from visitors, artist and their art resulting in an ever evolving organism and the birthing of a new museum paradigm for experiencing art and celebrating culture.