Photo: ©Snøhetta
Nicely wrapped: Second extension to Lillehammer Museum & Cinema
Lillehammer Museum and Cinema were built in 1964 by Erling Viksjø, and expanded in 1994. The complex has now undergone a second expansion, carried out like the first one by the Norwegian architectural studio Snøhetta.
Builder: Lillehammer Art Museum and Lillehammer Cinema
Architects: Snøhetta
Location: Lillehammer, NO
Text: Nina Shell
The architects at Snøhetta, who see this further commission as a great honour, have sought to connect all the existing parts of the complex in a logical and coherent way. Integration of art plays a central role in the project, whether concerning the design of the grounds or the buildings themselves.
The original building of 1964 is seen today as a classic representation of the architectural style of its time. The expansion of 1994 involved a separate, distinct building that sought to bridge the architectural language of the sixties and contemporary elements.
In the second expansion measure, Snøhetta has inserted a new exhibition hall – the Weidemannsalen – to connect the two existing institutions, plus two cinema theatres have been added and the cinema has been renovated.
Rooted in the idea of having art hover over a transparent basis, the new exhibition hall features a ground-floor children's workshop with floor-to-ceiling windows, topped by a cantilevered gallery clad in a dynamic metal façade. This makes the effect of an outsized gift wrapped in crinkled metallic foil.
The gallery is dedicated to the works of the Lillehammer artist Jakob Weidemann (1923-2001). Its 'metallic wrapping' reflects the surroundings and changes in appearance with the light. Created by Bård Breivik (1948-2016), a Norwegian artist who passed away last year, it is made from highly polished steel with crinkles up to some 25 centimetres deep.
Graphic: ©Snøhetta
Lascaux IV: The International Centre for Cave Art by Snøhetta
Crystalline structure in the city: Student Centre in Toronto
Dinner Under Water: The Under Restaurant by Snøhetta
Brave New World: SFMOMA by Snøhetta
Finally united: Faculty of Arts by Snøhetta
A Chapter House in Rosé: Aesop Store by Snøhetta in London