A 3.5 hour trip west of Copenhagen, on the coast of the north sea, lies the Tirpitz Museum. Built into the landscape this museum is unique due to the fact that it partially resides underground, maintaining a low profile and blending into the surrounding sand dunes. The museum creates a connection between nature and history through a multifaceted storytelling approach, while celebrating the surrounding environment.
Arriving to Tirpitz
The most intriguing part of this experience was not being able to see the building from the distance, nor immediately upon arrival. After you park, you will notice a pathway that leads you through the dunes, inviting you to explore your surroundings. This is an intentional encouragement to interact with the coastal environment before actually arriving at the museum.
A landscape divided in four
Upon arrival, the bunker comes into view first, and as you continue to approach, the subtle cuts in the landscape reveals the rising dune. The cuts are well-concealed, allowing the building to merge with the natural surroundings. These thoughtfully carved cuts or excavations in the sand dunes are what create partially submerged sections of the museum, integrating it into the coastal terrain and minimizing its visual impact from a distance. The cuts converge into a central courtyard, serving as the entrance and access to the four underground gallery spaces. You can see this clearly if you climb to the top of the dunes.
Instead of demolishing the existing WWII bunker on the site, the Tirpitz Museum beautifully expands upon it, integrating it into its design. The two buildings do not compete with one another, each having its own unique design language. The museum is hidden, and steps back from the bunker in a respectful way, while still bringing attention to and expanding upon the history that lies behind it. You are encouraged to climb the dunes, explore, and view the surrounding landscape and bunker on the site from different perspectives.
Preservation and history
The Tirpitz Museum is a combination of four tiny museums in one; a bunker, local history, amber and an art museum.
Keeping the bunkers intact and incorporating them into the museum serves as a symbol of remembrance and respect for the lives and events associated with the wartime period. It pays homage to the individuals who were involved in the conflict, both soldiers and civilians, by preserving the tangible remnants of that time.
By preserving the bunkers and integrating them into the museum experience, the Tirpitz Museum raises awareness about the history of the Atlantic Wall and the war, encouraging a deeper understanding of the past. Visitors gain insights into the fortifications and their role during World War II, enhancing their learning experience through a more comprehensive and interactive way.
Materiality as a voice
What I liked about the building, was that the museum felt so naturally and seamlessly integrated within the landscape, and the materials used throughout the building mirrored this concept as well. The museum incorporates neutral and earthy tones such as beige, tan, and sandy colors that blend with the natural landscape of the coastal dunes.
Concrete, steel, glass and wood, are the four main materials used throughout the design, all which can be found in the natural landscapes of the surrounding area. The walls of the exhibition rooms are made of concrete, cast on site, and act as retaining walls. The museum artfully plays with contrasts between lightness and heaviness, evident in the design of spaces, the strategic use of natural light, and the thoughtful selection of materials. The colors of materials may even transform throughout the day as natural light illuminates the interior spaces. There is an obvious interplay of light and darkness, aiming to mimic the way a real bunker would have felt like during the war. You will notice that there are no vibrant or overpowering colors that could distract you from the historical artifacts and exhibits.
