Muzeum Susch, designed by Chasper Schmidlin and Lukas Voellmy, seamlessly integrates contemporary art with the historic remains of a 12th-century monastery in the Swiss Alps, fostering a dynamic dialogue between past and present.
Nestled in the Swiss Alpine town of Susch in Switzerland, this unique institution, founded by Grażyna Kulczyk, seamlessly marries the ancient with the modern, reflecting a deep respect for the site's storied past while providing a cutting-edge space for artistic exploration and dialogue.
The museum's origins trace back to a 12th-century monastery, strategically positioned on a pilgrimage route from Rome to Santiago de Compostela. Over centuries, this site has evolved, including a stint as a brewery in the 19th century, before its latest transformation into a cultural haven. Schmidlin and Voellmy's vision honors these layers of history, meticulously preserving the monastery's original character while ingeniously adapting it to its new role as an art museum.
One of the most striking aspects of Muzeum Susch is its integration with the natural landscape. The architects excavated into the mountain, creating subterranean galleries and tunnels that link the various historic buildings. This ambitious undertaking involved the removal of 9,000 tonnes of rock, carving out spaces that feel both ancient and avant-garde. The natural rock grotto, once used for cooling beer, now serves as an evocative gallery for site-specific installations, highlighting the museum's commitment to fostering a deep, almost primal connection between art and its setting.
The brewery building, central to the museum's layout, offers 1,500 square meters of exhibition space, ingeniously arranged around the original cooling tower. This tower, extended and capped with a glazed lantern, provides a dramatic, naturally lit environment for monumental works, such as Monika Sosnowska's "Stairs" (2017). This 14-meter steel structure, resembling a spinal column, underscores the verticality and industrial past of the space while offering a stark contrast to the historical architecture.
Throughout the project, local materials and craftsmanship play a crucial role. Excavated stone and river sand from the nearby Flüela Pass are transformed into terrazzo flooring, while local wood is used extensively for flooring and paneling, grounding the museum firmly in its geographical context. The landscaping, overseen by Günther Vogt, further enhances this connection, with restored stone walls and new terraces blending seamlessly into the rugged Alpine surroundings.
Muzeum Susch's dedication to contemporary art, particularly works by female artists, aligns with Kulczyk's vision of creating an emotional and matrilineal connection to art. The museum's permanent and temporary exhibitions challenge and reinterpret traditional canons, offering a platform for marginalized voices. Works by artists like Mirosław Bałka, Jarosław Kozłowski, and Adrian Villar Rojas, among others, populate the museum, creating a dynamic dialogue between the past and present.
The architectural and curatorial philosophies of Muzeum Susch converge to create a space that is both contemplative and revolutionary. The museum stands as a beacon of cultural and historical reverence, inviting visitors to reflect on the continuity and evolution of art within the timeless embrace of the Swiss Alps.
