The expansion of Lillehammer Art Museum and Cinema in Norway designed by Snøhetta is getting close to its completion. The museum expansion was completed in January this year, and the cinema’s two new auditoriums and public space were opened to the public on March 18. Bård Breivik’s Art Garden is to be reestablished throughout early spring, and is scheduled for opening on May 17th.

The second building is Snøhetta’s extension of the museum from 1994 – an independent and strong building to bridge between the 1960s and the current architectural language. A third independent element is added as part of the museum above ground. Weidemannsalen is the new exhibition hall which houses works of the Lillehammer-based artist Jakob Weidemann (1923-2001). The hall cantilever over a glass box designed as a workshop for kids and youth. 

image courtesy of Snøhetta

In addititon the cinema has got two new auditoriums. One is integrated in the existing building structure and the other below ground between the two earlier buildings. The entrance facade is renewed more in style with the original building and bring to front a wall with integrated art by Odd Tandberg. The circulation areas are refurbished.

The facade of the Weidemann art gallery by Bård Breivik. image © Hilde Fauskerud/Lillehammer Kunsmuseum.

The buildings of Snøhetta and  Erling Viksjø has the integration of art in the building as an important common feature.  When the Snøhetta building from 1994 was designed, the Sculptural Park by Bård Breivik was an important element in the design that brought together these two volumes. The facade of the  Weidemann art gallery is created by the same artist. This cooperation betwen art and architecture gives the latest building a unique expression.

image © Hilde Fauskerud/Lillehammer Kunsmuseum.

image © Hilde Fauskerud/Lillehammer Kunsmuseum.

Project Facts

Location: Lillehammer, Norway
Typology: Art museum, cinema, exhibition hall 
Client: Lillehammer municipality
Size: 1,700 m²
Status Art Museum Completed: Jan 30, 2016
Status Cinema Expected completion: March 18, 2016

Top Image © MIR

> via snohetta.com