American architect Daniel Libeskind has developed an avant-garde project of reconstruction of Military History Museum, located in Dresden (Germany). Converted building, exhibition of which is devoted to military history, and will reopen October 14 this year after a 22-year break.

According to the author’s of ambitious project, he had no intention to delicately preserve the original appearance of the facade, adding a subtle extension to the rear of the building. Chosen solution is a powerful visual message designed to tell you about organized violence and the fate of the city associated with it. Bold interrupt the symmetry of the traditional building by 140-ton wedge of glass, metal and concrete, creating a dramatic image that calls for reflection.

Five-storey triangular wedge “bumps” in the classical architecture of the existing building picture of military history – the country’s largest museum. Currently updated Museum of Military History, whose area is about 21,000 square meters, is also the official Central Museum of Armed Forces of Germany.

Acute angle “fragment” is symbolically turned to the east – the source of a bomb, while the 30 meter high observation deck on the roof provides a panoramic view of Dresden skyscrapers built in the western part of Dresden after the war. 

Openness and transparency of the new structure in contrast to the dull facade and the rigidity of the existing 135-year old building – a representative of the heavy authoritarian past in Germany. Glass “wedge” reflects the openness of the new democratic society in the country. Exhibition space of the new structure of historical picture is separated by concrete walls.

Project provides not only structural and visual changes of the building, but also the expansion of its targeted programs.This unique location is intended to be the catalyst that will turn the city into an international cultural center. The work of authors of the project can be found on the official website of the architectural studio, located in New York:

http://www.daniel-libeskind.com/