Museum of Architecture — Competition

KSP’s design addresses long-standing challenges—fragmented circulation, uneven floors, and unclear entries—by redefining the museum’s primary axis and visitor flow. A new entry pavilion, featuring mass timber arches inspired by the site’s historic cloisters and courtyards, guides visitors from the city through a public exhibit cloister, across the Museum Courtyard, and into a new café and bookshop facing the park. Operable façades create an open, intuitive connection from east and west, integrating the museum more closely with its surroundings.

The project of the redevelopment and expansion of the museum includes a new addition. The new addition features an underground storage area, a new museum treasury. It also includes a new connection between the original museum complex through a grand staircase from the public zone entry courtyard to the new garden hall library reading room. Situated in Park Slowackiego, the new addition blends the boundary between the park and architecture.

The new interconnected flow of the museum continues to the redefined exhibition hall of the church. A universal, accessible exhibit path provides a barrier-free experience for all permanent and temporary exhibits. Visitors begin their journey at the elevator near the presbytery, ascending to the upper levels before following a smooth, uninterrupted descent through the exhibits. Multiple resting and viewing areas along the path offer moments to pause and appreciate the exhibits and the church’s historic architecture. The exhibit experience is designed to be unified and accessible for people with diverse needs.

Sustainability is central to the design. Geothermal HVAC, radiant heating and cooling, rainwater management with cisterns and bioswales, and permeable surfaces minimize environmental impact. Kinetic terra-cotta fins and a double-layer curtain wall optimize daylight and comfort. Improved office and workshop spaces, featuring natural light, greenery, and outdoor access, support staff well-being and collaboration.

The proposed design establishes a seamless dialogue between the museum, its urban surroundings, and the natural environment, creating a cohesive and inviting cultural hub.

Integration with Park Juliusza Słowackiego

• The design emphasizes the museum’s connection to the park through thoughtful landscaping, pathways, and visual integration.
• A north-south pedestrian pathway from Al. Słowackiego creates a direct link between the park and the museum, while the amphitheater on the east side connects the park to the museum’s lower level, enhancing the indoor-outdoor experience.
• The design respects the historical fabric of the museum by carefully integrating contemporary elements that complement the existing structure.
• The new addition, “born in the park,” features mass timber construction and an innovative terracotta façade inspired by traditional clay roofs, blending seamlessly with the urban context.
• Redesigned circulation pathways ensure clear, intuitive movement between the historic museum, the new addition, and surrounding public areas.
• Resting areas, outdoor seating, and viewing platforms provide opportunities for visitors to pause and appreciate the museum’s architecture and its natural surroundings.
• By creating a seamless connection between the museum, the park, and the urban fabric, the project transforms the Museum of Architecture into a vibrant cultural destination that is welcoming, accessible, and deeply rooted in its historical and environmental context.

A signature garden hall in the new addition serves as a multifunctional space that integrates old and new elements, providing opportunities for exhibitions, community events, and gatherings.

Enhanced office spaces feature natural lighting, breakout areas, and access to greenery, improving productivity, well-being, and collaboration among museum staff.

By prioritizing functionality, inclusivity, and comfort—anchored by the universal accessible exhibit path—the project transforms the museum into a space that fosters creativity, collaboration, and community engagement while ensuring access for all.

The project enhances the museum’s connection to its surroundings through thoughtful spatial development and integration of natural elements. 

Key solutions include:

• Redesigned vehicular access prioritizes pedestrians while maintaining service and parking functionality.
• The garden hall and outdoor amphitheater form a new garden space that seamlessly connects the old and new parts of the museum, enhancing the indoor-outdoor relationship.
• These spaces foster community interaction, providing areas for gathering, relaxation, and exploration of the museum’s natural surroundings.
• The design incorporates bioswales, rain gardens, and permeable surfaces for sustainable water management and ecological health.
• Green roofs and landscaped areas integrate seamlessly with the park, promoting biodiversity and enhancing the museum’s relationship with nature.

Preservation & Enhancement of Greenery:

• Existing trees are preserved to provide shade and maintain the site’s natural character.
• Native and climate-resilient plant species are used to create vibrant green spaces that support local ecosystems.
• By prioritizing spatial harmony and ecological responsibility, the project transforms the museum into a dynamic cultural and environmental landmark that bridges urban and natural realms.
• Native plantings and climate-resilient species enhance the ecological value of the site, supporting wildlife habitats and natural regeneration.

Our proposal transforms a historic church into an inclusive, barrier-free exhibition space. Our vision centers on a universally accessible exhibit path—a gentle ramp system weaving through mezzanines in the main and side naves—allowing visitors of all abilities to explore the museum without interruption.

A new glass-enclosed elevator and staircase connect every level, including the attic, offering both stunning panoramic views and an accessible egress route. By seamlessly integrating inclusive design principles—such as multi-sensory exhibits, frequent rest stops, and clear, intuitive wayfinding—our proposal respects the historic character of the church while creating vibrant, future-ready spaces for everyone to enjoy. Through this project, we aim to celebrate architecture, foster community, and ensure that every visitor experiences the museum with ease and delight.