The internationally renowned British architects at Foster + Partners have created another cornerstone of Munich’s architectural world: with the extension wing they designed for the Lenbachhaus. After comprehensive conversion and modernization work, Städtische Galerie and the new wing re-opened in 2013.
The striking brass-colored bronze tubes that make up the façade create a perfect color complement to the existing building. The two buildings are connected via the atrium,
which functions as a reception area for the collection and exhibition rooms.
The museum is home to an extensive collection of German Expressionism, specifically countless examples of the art of the Blaue Reiter” group. Its founder Wassily Kandinsky lent the Ella restaurant its name, as Ella was his term of endearment for Gabriella Münter, his companion.
In the restaurant you can again discern Foster’s style. For the first time, thanks to the large windows in the frontage, you get an extraordinary view out over Königsplatz with its monumental classicist buildings. The walls are clad in bright onyx marble. Zeitraum, based in Wolfratshausen, rounded out the interior design: Its elegantly simple solid wood furniture made of American walnut graces the restaurant, bar and lounge and the clear shapes and refined contours are a pleasure to behold. Zeitraum’s “Cena” table bears special mention in this context. The angled top lends it zest, and 6the sturdy central leg conveys a sense of calm. The “Calu” chair and the “1.3 Bar” bar stool and both predestined for urban restaurants like Ella as they are both space-saving and sturdy. Sitting comfortably on a “Morph Lounge” club chair enjoying a cappuccino or Prosecco is an ideal way to conclude an inspiring museum visit.
Artist Thomas Demand developed the blue logo for the façade of the new Lenbach wing. Photo © Mirjam Fruscella & Daniele Manduzio
In the ELLA restaurant you can sit comfortably on CALU chairs designed by Zeitraum.
Photo © Mirjam Fruscella & Daniele Manduzio
On the walls, works by Thomas Demand set the tone at the spacious bar.
Photo © Mirjam Fruscella & Daniele Manduzio
CALU is a solid wood chair, with striking green leather upholstery.
Photo © Mirjam Fruscella & Daniele Manduzio
The MORPH cocktail club chair with its upholstered seat catches the eye with its unusually angled legs. Photo © Mirjam Fruscella & Daniele Manduzio
The 1.3 BAR bar stool saves a lot of space and is therefore ideal for small rooms, too. Photo © Mirjam Fruscella & Daniele Manduzio
In May 2013, the Lenbachhaus re-opened – with a festive ceremony.
Photo © Mirjam Fruscella & Daniele Manduzio
