Considerable progress has been made to the shell construction of the James Simon Galerie since the symbolic laying of the foundation stone in autumn 2013 and the completion of the complex pile-driving works in November 2014. Most of the exposed concrete walls and ceilings, which will define the interior spaces accessible to the public, have been completed and the mounting of the large precast concrete elements of the building envelope is due to start imminently. The completion of the shell construction will be marked by a topping-out ceremony at the beginning of summer 2016. Completion of construction is scheduled for the end of 2017.
The James Simon Galerie reorganises the relationships and open spaces between the Pergamon Museum and the Neues Museum, while at the same time giving architectural form to the large-scale urban qualities of the site. The building will form a new entrance and reception location, providing the necessary infrastructure for the large numbers of visitors to the Museum Island, spaces for special exhibitions, as well as an auditorium. The design exploits the possibilities of the site with the greatest urban impact, facing the Lustgarten, the Schlossbrücke (the Palace Bridge) and the boulevard Unter den Linden, while at the same time supporting the urban relationships of the existing museum buildings on the island. In addition, the project will provide an edificial link to the main floor of the Pergamon Museum as well as to the Archaeological Promenade at basement level.
Photo © Ute Zscharnt for David Chipperfield Architects