NEW NATIONALMUSEUM NOMINATED FOR BUILDING OF THE YEAR 2019

18.10.2018

For the first time in 148 years Nationalmuseum in Stockholm has been completely renovated. In October, the museum opened to the general public again after being closed for five years. COWI Projektbyrån was commissioned by National Property Board Sweden for the construction project management of this complicated and extensive renovation project, which has been nominated for Building of the Year 2019 in Sweden.

Both art and people are at the heart of the newly renovated Nationalmuseum, Sweden’s largest art and design museum.

The collections, featuring art from six centuries, are the main focus and are presented in a new way. Alongside them are temporary exhibitions on topical themes. There is more space for visitors and the climate is better, both for the art and for everyone visiting the museum.

Children’s activities have now gained more space, and so has the restaurant and rooms for different activities, rest and contemplation.

National Property Board Sweden was commissioned by the Swedish government to carry out the renovation. The building is a national listed building and had to undergo a sympathetic renovation and refurbishment in order to meet the requirements facing a modern art museum in terms of climate, fire safety, security, the work environment and logistics.

Advanced technology monitors regulate the temperature, light and humidity, enabling the museum to display fragile artworks in an environment that is comfortable for visitors.

“It’s been incredibly challenging to lead such a major project in one of Sweden’s most valuable cultural and historical buildings. For example, the project has included major foundation work in order to create new public areas and loading functions underground. Another major challenge has been to meet the strict climate and security requirements that are necessary to display valuable artistic treasures. We’ve had an excellent working relationship with National Property Board Sweden throughout the project,” says Jan Johansson, project manager at COWI Projektbyrån.

COWI Projektbyrån’s assignment comprised construction project management, construction management, installation coordination and cost management and has taken almost five years. 

Facts on the renovated Nationalmuseum

• Client: National Property Board Sweden
• Construction project management: COWI Projektbyrån
• Contractor: Skanska
• Project type: Partnering contract
• Architect: Wingårdhs Arkitekter in collaboration with Erik Wikerstål

About Building of the Year

Årets Bygge (Building of the Year) is the construction sector’s most prestigious competition. It highlights examples of the best work in the sector in terms of quality, collaboration, finance and design. The winner is decided by an expert jury and the award will be presented at the Årets Bygge gala in March 2019.