Säulenhalle | Altonaer Museum

The Altonaer Museum welcomes the public into its historic columned hall with a striking gesture: entering the museum itself is staged as a sensual experience. The visitors stride – almost theatrically – over a noble ramp into the large hall. To their left and right pedestals of different height, styled like a city silhouette, present select exhibits depicting the history of the city of Altona. Arriving at the end of the symbolic "landing bridge", the objects are put into context by means of animated text-images on video screens. In one of the two side areas, a kind of living room with many types of seating options encourages visitors to linger. Like a lounge it serves as a meeting place, lounge area, picnic area or place for thoughtful contemplation. For the other side area, a flexible exhibition system is planned for changing formats documenting the community of Altona.

The new concept for the columned hall lets visitors feel and experience its spaciousness – and may act as a teaser for exhibitions as well as a mediator and meeting place or provide space for receptions and events. In addition, high tables or chairs and a podium or stage can be set up. Besides adding flexibility to the design of exhibitions, this is a concept for the Altonaer Museum in which a new welcoming culture is given special consideration, beginning with the arrival of visitors at the museum.