Buchheim Museum der Phantasie, Refurbishment and Extension

The design reflects the Expressionist spirit, intentionally juxtaposing folk and academic art as in the artists’ own studios: African masks beside oil portraits, watercolors near windows framing Lake Starnberg and the Alps. Terraces and footbridges extend into the landscape, making nature an integral and accessible part of the visitor experience. As white slabs, these terraces and footbridges emphasize the museum’s layered horizontality, contrasting with volumes clad in wood and glass. The wood-clad “villas” recall Buchheim’s residence in Feldafing. At the heart of the museum is the “Buchheim World,” a space devoted to Buchheim’s life and vision. It brings together his Expressionist works and personal objects while maintaining a dialogue with the rest of the museum. Its defining feature is the interplay of high and low art, seamlessly integrated into the dramatic lakeside setting.

A central spine shapes the museum’s orientation and layout, stretching toward the lake and allowing each part of the building to develop according to its function. Almost every interior space offers framed views and direct access to the landscape. Fluid transitions link the museum’s sections—from painting galleries to the Cabinet of Curiosities. Visitors can choose between shorter or extended routes, including a looped path through the park. The restrained architecture allows the lake, trees, and shifting light to become a natural backdrop for the art.

Since 2021, the museum has been undergoing refurbishment and expansion planning, with construction starting in 2025. The project includes a new exhibition space, offices and workshops, an expanded visitor area with a kitchen, and a new carport and a service room to the northwest. The extension aligns with the original architecture while reducing its ecological footprint. Materials and construction methods are carefully coordinated and used sparingly, with future disassembly in mind. Wherever possible, components from the existing structure are reused. In line with a low-tech approach, the design incorporates green roofs for water management, extensive photovoltaic installations to generate energy, systems with heat recovery, and natural ventilation wherever possible.