Even if you have little to no interest in architecture and modern art, you can still visit some of the most prominent institutions in the world, such as the Tate Modern, the Centre Pompidou, and the Guggenheim Bilbao. These are top-rated tourist attractions and have good reason to be on your list of must-visits.
The most prominent names in the field have designed several lesser-known European museums for those more interested in modern art and architecture. These facilities, which are known for their impressive exhibition spaces, are part of urban renewal projects that are taking place in various cities across the continent. These projects breathe life into neglected neighborhoods and reinvigorate old shipyards.
- Musée des Confluences
In December 2014, the Musée des Confluences was opened in Lyon, France’s second-largest city. This facility is part of a massive urban renewal project that’s taking place in the city. It’s designed to transform the former industrial area into a neighborhood filled with restaurants, bars, and apartments.
The museum was designed by the Austrian firm Coop Himmelb(l)au, which is known for its work in deconstructivism. Its entry features a vast, light-filled space surrounded by a steel structure known as the Cloud. This structure features permanent exhibitions that explore the interconnectedness of nature, man, and culture.
- KUMU
After Estonia gained independence in 1991, the Supreme Council of the country ruled that it needed a museum that would reflect the country’s post-Soviet future. The KUMU museum in Estonia was opened in 2006. It’s located in the historic Kadriog park, a short walk from the palace built for Catherine I. Finnish architect Pekka Vuapaavuori carried out the museum’s design. He designed the facility with a semi-circular footprint tucked into the side of Lasnamäe Hill. This ensures that the building doesn’t overshadow the palace.
- Kunsthaus Graz
In Graz, Austria, locals refer to the Friendly Alien as an aquatic-looking creature that has settled into various buildings, including those constructed during the Renaissance, Art Nouveau, and Gothic periods. The Kunsthaus Graz, designed by Sir Peter Cook and Colin Fournier, was opened in 2003. It was considered the city’s most significant cultural achievement during its time as Europe’s Capital of Culture.
The creature’s belly contains two large floors that are used for exhibitions. The roof features a series of glass-like windows that allow natural light to enter through them. The building’s transparent skin also allows for the programmed lighting of the various areas.
- Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art
The museum in Barcelona, which Richard Meier designed, was initially scheduled to be opened in 1992. However, it was delayed by three years. Since it was opened, the museum has become one of the most prominent art facilities in the country. It features a collection of over 5,000 works by international and Spanish artists.
The museum is located in the Raval Quarter, a short walk from the city’s Gothic center. It’s also located near the Plaça dels Àngels and the 15th-century Convent dels Àngels. The building’s south-facing windows, which are enamel-coated, allow natural light to flood the gallery’s various areas. In 2014, the museum was given two additional spaces to expand its already impressive collection.
- ARoS Aarhus Art Museum
The ARoS Art Museum in Denmark was initially located in 1859. In 2004, it was relocated to a new location. The facility was designed by the Danish firm Schmidt Hammer Lassen. The building’s interior features a pedestrian path that connects the museum to the street. It also divides the gallery into two wings.
A couple of years later, the museum became a popular destination due to the addition of a permanent art installation by Ólafur Elíasson entitled Your rainbow panorama. This circular walkway, enclosed with glass, offers 360 degrees of views of the city of Aarhus. During the day, the walkway can provide a 360-degree view of the city. At night, it can be seen through a neon rainbow ring.