Turku Art Museum, restoration and extension, Turku, Finland

In 1885, the Turku Art Association received a donation from an unknown benefactor for the building of an art museum. Later it was discovered that the donation came from two businessmen brothers, Ernst and Magnus Dahlström. A two-stage architectural competition for the building was held in 1899, and the winning entry was submitted by Gustaf Nyström. The brickwork frame building with granite facings was completed in 1904.

An extensive renovation took place a century later. The architect planned a transparent, slender structure above ground that would enhance the architecture of the stone building. Insulating glass units (IGUs) comprising Pilkington Optifloat™ Clear and Pilkington K Glass™ for its excellent thermal and energy efficient characteristics were selected.

A stairwell and lift are built from the basement of the museum through the rock and up to the steel-glass tower, creating a corridor connection to the two exhibition floors and basement. The extension design aims at continuing Gustaf Nyström’s original symmetry. The lift shaft runs underground along the axis of the building. It is located beside the driveway running underground. A staircase that serves as an emergency exit has also been built symmetrical to the lift.

Today, visitors have the opportunity to compare and contrast the original building and construction style with the new glazed part of the building – demonstrating how a marriage of old and modern architecture can be achieved.