A MUSEUM FOR TODAY: CONTEMPORARY MUSEUM ARCHITECTURE IN LEIPZIG The new building of the
Museum der bildenden Künste with its impressive glass façade is a highlight in the cityscape
of Leipzig's centre. The building serves as an important cultural hub housing one of the
oldest civic art collections in Germany. This richly illustrated publication presents the
historical context and design vision of the museum's construction in an accessible format. It
describes the prominent location the architectural concept and its implementation as well as
earlier buildings and interim locations. - the definitive book on the architecture of the
MdbK - a journey through the building's history and its architecture - includes extensive
historic and contemporary photographic material - glass exposed concrete shell limestone -
a unique aesthetic - a place for observing exchanging ideas and reflecting WHERE ART
AND ARCHITECTURE MEET The new building of the Museum of Fine Arts Leipzig (MdbK) designed
by the Berlin-based architecture firm Hufnagel Pütz Rafaelian opened on December 4 2004 - the
anniversary of the destruction of the old museum in 1943 - and has since provided a home for
the museum's extensive collection spanning seven centuries. With a height of 36 meters the
structure rises over the surrounding buildings in the city centre. Courtyards and terraces open
the museum toward the city visibly echoing the principle of Leipzig's historic arcades. The
remarkable spaciousness within allows for a variety of visual axis. With its open architecture
as well as courtyards and permanent exhibitions accessible free of charge the museum offers a
space for a diverse society to come together take time and share knowledge. A SPACE FOR
EXCHANGE AND CONTEMPLATION This publication on the museum's architecture is being released
on the 20th anniversary of its opening. With accessible texts and 100 illustrations the book
highlights this culturally significant place going beyond its architecture and construction
history. In a convenient magazine-sized format it provides insights into the historical
context and architectural design of the museum's new building while also offering a brief look
behind the scenes at the spaces where important restoration educational and research work is
carried out making it accessible to a broader audience. For the City of Leipzig edited by
Stefan Weppelmann and Katrin Klietsch. The book is available in both German and English.
