Construction has officially commenced on the Museum Ehrhardt in Plüschow, northeast Germany, marking a significant milestone for renowned architect Francis Kéré and his firm Kéré Architecture. This project represents their first cultural institution in Germany and their inaugural museum building in Europe, highlighting the firm's expanding influence in the international architectural landscape.
The 1,400-square-meter museum, developed in collaboration with HK Architekten and Hermann Kaufmann & Partner ZT GmbH, will be dedicated to photography and contemporary art. The initiative was spearheaded by Dr. Jens Ehrhardt, son of acclaimed artist Alfred Ehrhardt (1901-1984), together with his wife Elke Weicht-Ehrhardt. The museum serves as a tribute to Alfred Ehrhardt, who was a distinguished painter, photographer, and filmmaker recognized as a leading figure in Germany's New Objectivity movement.
Strategically positioned near the Baltic Sea, the museum will stand adjacent to Schloss Plüschow, which currently functions as an artist residency and gallery. This location creates a cultural hub that bridges historical heritage with contemporary artistic expression, providing visitors with a comprehensive cultural experience in the scenic northeastern German landscape.
The architectural design of Museum Ehrhardt reflects Kéré Architecture's signature contextual and craft-oriented approach, deeply rooted in regional materials and traditional building techniques. The structure ingeniously combines wood and clay construction methods, featuring a distinctive wooden pergola that echoes traditional gable forms found in the region. A striking roof garden serves as a visual anchor, seamlessly integrating the building within its natural landscape setting.
A central 80-meter-long rammed earth wall forms the backbone of the museum's design, defining the exhibition spaces while serving multiple functional purposes. This impressive structural element regulates indoor environmental conditions through its substantial thermal mass, naturally maintaining optimal humidity and temperature balance throughout the galleries. Above this earth wall, a lightweight timber structure, developed in partnership with HK Architekten, provides a sophisticated framework specifically engineered for future dismantling and reuse, demonstrating the project's strong commitment to material efficiency and long-term environmental sustainability.
The surrounding landscape plays an integral role in the museum's overall design concept, extending the architectural experience beyond the building's walls. Thoughtfully planned outdoor spaces include a biodiverse roof biotope and an expansive ground-level garden that flows naturally from the museum café. These areas are designed to serve both public recreational needs and environmental integration purposes, creating seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor cultural experiences.
Environmental consciousness permeates every aspect of the design, with the terrain carefully shaped to collect and channel rainwater for irrigation systems, significantly reducing dependence on external water resources. The comprehensive site covers a total area of 6,871 square meters, which includes an impressive 3,973 square meters dedicated to garden spaces. The building's design philosophy emphasizes ecological performance, structural durability, and a clear, respectful relationship with its natural setting.
This project represents a significant addition to Germany's cultural infrastructure and showcases Kéré Architecture's ability to blend traditional building methods with contemporary design principles. The use of locally sourced materials and time-tested construction techniques not only honors regional building traditions but also ensures the structure will age gracefully while maintaining minimal environmental impact.
The Museum Ehrhardt is scheduled for completion and public opening at the end of 2027, promising to become a major cultural destination that celebrates both Alfred Ehrhardt's artistic legacy and contemporary creative expression. Upon completion, it will serve as a testament to thoughtful architectural design that respects both cultural heritage and environmental stewardship while providing world-class facilities for the appreciation of photography and contemporary art.
