Soumaya Museum
FREE Fernando Romero
Mexico City, Mexico
Photo: Iwan Baan
In order to create a new identity for the site, both a
strong urban and iconic presence, the Soumaya Museum was conceived
as a rotating sculptural building that is both an object and a part
of the city.
The Soumaya Museum is part of a large scale mixed-use urban
development on the edge of the Polanco district, one of the most
exclusive areas of Mexico City. Located on a former existing 1940's
industrial site the Soumaya Museum - as the pre-eminent cultural
program in the area - is a key instigator towards the
transformation of urban perception and urban life in the
area.
Its role as an institution provides urban programmatic mixture,
activating and intensifying the surrounding public space while
promoting the commercial activities in the neighborhood.
Photo: Iwan Baan
To create a shelter for its collection, the opaque facade is
made of hexagonal aluminum modules that minimize exterior openings
while optimizing the preservation and durability of the entire
building.
Photo: Iwan Baan
Photo: Iwan Baan
The conglomeration of the individual modules reflects the
diversity of the museums' collection that includes the worlds'
second largest collection of Rodin sculptures, a wing of Medieval
and Renaissance Art, and a gallery of Impressionism. This diverse
collection is housed in a continuous exhibition space spread over
six levels.
Photo: Iwan Baan
Photo: Iwan Baan
Photo: Iwan Baan
Photo: Iwan Baan
The shell of the building is made of 28 unique curved steel
columns of varying size and shape. The structure is
stabilized by a system of seven rings located on each floor. The
top floor, with the roof suspended from a cantilever that allows
natural daylight in, is the largest space in the museum.
Photo: Iwan Baan
The building also includes an array of public and private
programs, including: a 350 seat auditorium, library, restaurant,
gift-shop, a multi-purpose lounge, and administrative
offices. Connecting the programs is a non-linear circulation
zone, creating areas of interaction for users along a common path
as they meander through the building, culminating in a naturally
lit multi-use gallery on the top floor.
Image courtesy FREE
Section 
Image courtesy FREE
Circulation Diagram 
Image courtesy FREE
Structural Diagram
Facts about Soumaya Museum
Site area:
17,000 m2
Exhibition area: 20,000 m2
Project Regency:
Inpros
Civil Constructor:
PC Constructores
Facade:
Photographed by Iwan Baan
Last updated: December 07, 2012
