Zurich: Laying of the foundation stone for Kunsthaus extension
On November 8, 2016, the foundation stone was laid for the Kunsthaus extension on Heimplatz. The building owners - the City of Zurich, the Zürcher Kunstgesellschaft and the Stiftung Zürcher Kunsthaus, united in the Einfache Gesellschaft Kunsthaus-Erweiterung (EGKE) - consider the occasion a milestone for the major project.
The New Kunsthaus not only offers more exhibition space, but also contributes to the strengthening of Zurich as a city of culture and to the development of Heimplatz as a place of culture, according to EGKE. The new building and the associated Garden of Art will also offer attractive recreational and leisure opportunities for the public. The building, designed by David Chipperfield, is also a key project for Zurich in terms of urban development - the new Kunsthaus marks the gateway to the university area - and architecture.
The client is satisfied with the project status: The costs are within budget and the deadlines are on track. The opening is planned for 2020. The Kunsthaus extension will be financed by contributions of CHF 88 million each from the Zürcher Kunstgesellschaft (ZKG) and the city of Zurich. The canton is contributing 30 million from the lottery fund. In addition, the canton is granting the Zürcher Kunsthaus Foundation (SZK) an interest-free, permanent building lease on the property. The total contribution of CHF 206 million is based on the target costs of CHF 180 million and reserves. (ah)
