In spring 2008, the architecture firm Schneider+Schumacher won the international competition to expand the Städel Museum in Frankfurt, Germany. Their innovative design places the new expansion underground within the museum’s original garden, effectively increasing the exhibition space from 4,000 to 7,000 square meters.
The underground extension measures 76 meters in width and 53 meters in length, with a maximum height of 8.2 meters in its central area.
The exterior of the new building features a hyperbolic roof slab embedded with 195 circular skylights. These skylights range from 1.5 to 2.5 meters in diameter and are positioned at the highest point in the center, creating a striking visual effect.
Designed specifically for this project, these “artistic eyes” not only allow natural light to filter into the museum but also support visitor circulation, as they are engineered to be walkable. The lighting system is carefully controlled: integrated LEDs enhance low light levels, while built-in shading devices reduce glare when sunlight is too intense.
The entire curved roof slab is supported by only 12 slender reinforced concrete columns. Since the new building sits below the water table, the architects reinforced it with 160 deep piles to prevent buoyancy issues.
Additionally, the structure includes 36 geothermal wells extending up to 82 meters underground, providing efficient heating in winter and cooling in summer through a sustainable heat exchange system.
The design concept and technology implemented throughout the expansion ensure the new building is environmentally friendly and sustainable in every aspect.
Project Information:
Architectural Firm: Schneider+Schumacher
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
Year of Project: 2007
Project Area: 24,726 square meters
Photographers: Norbert Miguletz, Christoph Bonke, Kirsten Bucher
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