Polish architects WXCA and the global engineering consultancy and design firm Buro Happold have completed the Polish Army Museum complex in Warsaw, Poland.
Named the Museum of the Polish Army, the project was completed as a major addition to the cultural scene of the Polish capital.
The project consists of a mixture of historic buildings and new construction,
and follows a sensitive approach according to the relationship and context of the different components.
The museum was opened in Warsaw on the weekend before August 15, 2023,
on the occasion of the Day of the Armed Forces of Poland.
WXCA’s design for the Polish Army Museum consists of two buildings, with the completed southern building,
which will later be joined by a second building on the north side of Gwardii Pieszej Koronnej Square,
as well as the renovation of a number of historically listed buildings.
On the other hand, Boro Happold was responsible for the structural, concrete façade,
mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineering of the museum building,
As well as underground parking, entrance tunnel and underground facilities throughout the castle.
Design features
The project connects the history of the city, and the country as a whole, with the contemporary urban context.
The museum site occupies 32 hectares of Warsaw Castle.
It is a hilltop fortress built by the Russian Empire’s army in the 1830s.
The castle was used by the Polish army and was a no-go area until now.
Two teams, WXCA and Buro Happold, worked closely together to revitalize the site, which overlooks the Vistula River and is separated from the city by a causeway.
The Polish Army Museum building, together with the Museum of the Tenth Wing of the Warsaw Citadel and the Katyu Museum, stands
Together with the soon to be built Museum of Polish History, together they form one of the largest museum complexes in Europe.
The Polish Army Museum project is part of Buro Happold’s broad and ongoing involvement with Warsaw’s changing urban landscape.
Over the course of 25 years and multiple projects, Boro Happold Warsaw has made a lasting contribution to the development of one of Europe’s most dynamic and exciting cities.
The southern building consists of 8 blocks united by a common green roof that reflects the natural environment of the surrounding park.
The total area of the building is more than 12,000 square meters
and provides exhibition space dedicated to displaying the museum’s permanent collection of Polish weapons.
It also provides flexible space for temporary exhibitions and events.
The museum building was constructed of concrete poured in place, with a height of 7.5 metres.
The front is defined by a custom chevron molding pattern that recalls a military motif.
Reflecting the site’s two-century history and its continuing close relationship with the military.
This pattern is repeated on the walls of galleries and other interior spaces.
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